Brentford Under-21s progressed to the quarter-final of the Professional Development League playoffs as they defeated Derby County Under-21s 2-0 at Wheatsheaf Park on Monday evening.It was a sublime performance from the PDL winners as Michel Boni and Andre Grey scored the goals that proved to be enough against the young Rams. Julian Eyestone also featured in the game.The game began evenly, with both sides creating early opportunities. Kyrie Pierre and Andre Grey each had efforts from the edge of the box that drifted wide, but the Bees were already finding themselves in dangerous areas.
Derby also showed attacking intent, with Justin Oguntolu producing a strong strike inside the box that was well saved by Eyestone.
As the half progressed, the west Londoners began to take control, pinning the visitors back and building sustained pressure in the Derby half as they searched for the opener.
That pressure soon paid off. Riley Owen delivered a superb ball into Ethan Laidlaw, and the winger calmly picked out an unmarked Boni, who guided his finish into the net.
Saunders’ side continued to dominate, and a moment of individual brilliance doubled their advantage. Theo Mawene beat his man before cleverly flicking the ball into the path of Grey, who fired home from distance.
Luca Picotto then came close to adding a third with an audacious acrobatic effort from range, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Derby goalkeeper Harley Price.
It was more dominant play from the home side to begin the second period and neat work from Mawene and Owen saw Boni have a shot in the box but this time Tristan Gill was in the right place to make the block.
Oguntolu forced a good save from Eyestone again as the keeper tipped the striker's volley round the post.
Joseph Wheeler-Henry did well to beat his man and before he could put in a cross he was fouled by Keilen Robinson in the box. Laidlaw stepped up to take the penalty but Price made a fantastic save to deny the winger. Second-half substitute Beau Redknapp was quickest to the rebound but he smashed his shot against the crossbar.
That was how the game would end as the convincing win ensures the Bees advance.
Tickets are still available for the Robert Rowan Invitational against PSG on Monday 18 May.
Brentford U21s: Eyestone, Wheeler-Henry, Picotto, Stephenson, Avenell, Grey (Redknapp 71), Pierre (Klimas 82), Owen, Boni, Mawene (Hanson 81), Laidlaw
Derby County U21s: Price, Gordon (Robinson 61), Gill, Banks, Offor, Smith, Richards, Allen (Osayande 61), Oguntolu, Eames (Tola 61), McAndrew (Waehling 46)