Brentford U21s 2 Birmingham City U21s 0: Aaron Hickey makes goalscoring return | OneFootball

Aaron Hickey scored the first goal in Brentford Under-21s' 2-0 win over Birmingham City Under-21s on Friday afternoon at Wheatsheaf Park

Making his first appearance since October 2023, Hickey combined well with Isaac Holland on the right flank before curling a perfect effort into the top corner. Iwan Morgan was also on the scoresheet in what was a comfortable victory for the young Bees.

The deadlock should have been broken 15 minutes into the game as Morgan played in Isaac Holland, but the winger’s shot was excellently saved by Brad Mayo in the Birmingham net.

Holland returned the favour by finding Morgan in the box, but the striker scuffed his shot.

The young Bees were firmly in control of the contest and the returning Hickey opened the scoring.

The Scotland international showed great skill and composure to receive Holland’s back heel and curl his left-footed shot into the top corner of the net.

The lead was doubled soon. Holland, again the provider, beat his man and played a great cross which found Morgan who stroked the ball into the top corner with a classy finish.

Hickey made way for Max Wilcox at the break having registered a positive 45 minutes on his return from a hamstring injury.

Morgan should have had his second of the game after finding his way into the box but he fired over the crossbar.

Max Dickov drew a good save from the Birmingham goalkeeper with a volley he hit sweetly from distance.

Caelan Avenell had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, after he diverted a free-kick from Ethan Brierley into the net.

Julian Eyestone was called into action as he had to make a good save to deny Frank Tattum from close range.

Eyestone had to make an even better save as he tipped Laiith Fairnie's firm header onto the post.

The result meant that the young Bees returned to winning ways and their chances of finishing in the coveted top two spots remain intact.

It is a quick turnaround of fixtures for the Under-21s as they are back in action on Monday 3 March to kick off the new month with a home game against Swansea City at Wheatsheaf Park.

Brentford: Eyestone, Hickey (Wilcox HT), McManus, Stephenson, Avenell, Owen, Holland, Brierley, Morgan (Grey 86), Dickov, Laidlaw (Headman 76)

Unused subs: Williams, Krauhaus

Birmingham City: Mayo, Myung-Jae, Pendelton, Fairnie, Boakye, Mazwi, Home, Ellis (Betteka 85), Bateman, Sanders, Datum

Unused subs: O'Sullivan, Pergelov, Isichei, Havenhand

Booked: Fairnie 52, Pendelton 60

Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane praised his side following another league win at Wheatsheaf Park with Aaron Hickey and Iwan Morgan scoring the goals.