Brentford U21s 2 Watford U21s 2 | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s had to settle for a 2-2 draw on Wednesday afternoon as they surrendered a two-goal lead against Watford at Wheatsheaf Park.

Isaac Holland and Romelle Donovan put the Bees ahead but two second-half goals from the away side ensured the spoils were shared.

Brentford returned to Professional Development League action looking to continue their good run of form against a Hornets side who had won their last four outings.

Iwan Morgan was slipped in on goal by Ben Krauhaus early on and had the team’s first chance of the game, but his effort hit the foot of the post before the visitors cleared the loose ball.

Donovan, making his first league start for the U21s, then found space and played a through ball into Morgan, but the striker’s shot flew over the bar.

Watford had an opportunity of their own through Frederick Buers, who pounced on a loose ball in the box, but he too skied his effort.

The deadlock was broken by the young Bees when Holland pounced on a loose pass from the goalkeeper and then expertly finished with his left foot.

The lead was quickly doubled as debutant Donovan jinked his way past a number of challenges before drilling into the bottom corner from just outside the box.

Morgan was inching closer to getting the goal he deserved but his effort deflected just past the keeper’s post.

Watford came out for the second half rejuvenated and Connor Wickham looped a header over Julian Eyestone from a corner to reduce the deficit.

Vonnte Williams should have restored the Bees’ two-goal cushion, however, he could not find the finish following an excellent run from deep.

Benjamin Arthur made a great challenge to deny Emmanuel Adeyemo after he powered his way into the box but the Hornets then found an equaliser as Joshua Keyes’ snapshot inside the area found the back of the net.

Ethan Laidlaw went close to regaining the Bees’ advantage but his shot was saved well by Gabriel Ortelli as the game ended level.

Brentford’s next game will be at Wheatsheaf Park in the PDL against Ipswich Town Under-21s on Monday 17 February.

Brentford: Eyestone, Fredrick, Williams, Stephenson (Headman 75), Arthur, Owen, Holland (Dickov 62), Brierley, Morgan, Krauhaus, Donovan (Laidlaw 62)

Unused subs: Avenell, Wilcox

Watford: Ortelli, Gould, Buers, Eames (Sikiru 90+1), Akomeah, Mullins (c), Adu-Poku, Keyes (Assiedom 90+1), Wickham, Adeyemo (Gaspar 83), Lawson

Unused subs: Ferrer, Hunt