Match Preview: Watford U21s v Brentford U21s | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s return to league action on Friday afternoon when they face Watford Under-21s at the Watford Football Club Training Ground (1pm kick-off BST) in the Professional Development League.

It has been a busy week for Neil MacFarlane’s side, with the young Bees facing Sheffield Wednesday at Gtech Community Stadium on Monday night, before taking on Barking in the London Senior Cup semi-final at Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday.

The young Bees have been in good form since a loss to Bournemouth in March, reeling off four wins and a draw across all competitions since.

With four league fixtures left to play, Brentford sit second in the PDL South table, one point behind Millwall but with a game in hand on the young Lions.

The group will be eyeing first or second place come the end of the season, which would set up a South semi-final against the other top two sides, with the winner to face the North semi-final victor.

Last time out

MacFarlane’s side battled out a tough 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Gtech Community Stadium last time out in the league.

Iwan Morgan headed home a Paris Maghoma cross in the first half to give the home side a half-time lead, before the visitors equalised in the second half to share the points.

Earlier this week, the young Bees booked their place in the London Senior Cup final with a 3-2 win over Barking at Wheatsheaf Park.

Emeka Peters scored two first-half goals to give the hosts a solid half-time lead, before the visitors scored twice early in the second half to equalise.

Max Dickov's penalty following a foul on Vonnte Williams on 70 minutes was enough to secure the victory, however.

Speaking after the game, MacFarlane said "It was a brilliant achievement for a young group to make the final.

"Even when we were pegged back I thought we really stood up to the game and they should be hugely proud of their efforts because it's always difficult playing a physical men's team."

"We played well against Sheffield Wednesday, particularly in the first half. I think it's great testament to the group that they're so disappointed drawing a game.

"This group has been constantly winning games for six months and they'll just go again. We played 24 hours later and we've just found a way again and that's the mentality of the group.

"We go to Watford, another difficult game, but we are looking forward to it.

Previously against Watford, Brentford ended the league clash all square at 2-2 at Wheatsheaf Park.

Isaac Holland and Romelle Donovan each netted in the first half, however, two second-half goals from the visitors ensured the points were split.

About Watford U21s

Watford come into Friday afternoon’s clash ninth in the PDL South table, with nine wins, four draws and 13 losses.

Since their draw with Brentford in February, the young Hornets have faced a tough run of league results, going winless in their last nine games, with their only points coming from draws with Bournemouth, QPR and Barnsley.

Following Friday’s fixture, Watford will round out their season with trips to Burnley and Cardiff, as well as home games against Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday.

Media coverage

The club will have updates of the game against Watford on social media, as well as a match report on the official website and app.