Brentford U21 secured a 3-2 victory over Stoke City U21 in the Premier League 2 Division One at the bet365 Stadium on Friday evening. The result leaves Brentford sitting second in the table with six points from two games, while the hosts remain rooted to 25th place on just a single point. By then, the visitors had already established their rhythm, controlling possession at 85 per cent while Stoke managed only 15.
K. Furo gave the home side an early lead in the sixth minute, but Brentford responded through T. Mawene's goal before half-time. G. Kelly converted a penalty in the 35th minute to take the visitors ahead, and W. Thompson's own goal in the 50th minute put Brentford two clear. And here's the thing — Stoke pulled one back through G. Morrison's strike in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense finish.
The match saw plenty of cards, with Stoke collecting three yellows and Brentford four. R. Owen went off early for the hosts in the 15th minute, while G. Kelly received his booking in the 59th minute. By then, both sides had made three substitutions each — Makavore, Fearn and O'Connor came on for Stoke at the hour mark, while Mawene, Dauda and Achu were replaced after 76 minutes.
Statistically, Brentford dominated possession but Stoke showed more urgency in attack. The hosts registered 33 attacks compared to Brentford's 36, but the visitors managed seven shots on target against Stoke's six. And here's the thing — despite the statistical advantage, Brentford's efficiency proved decisive, converting their chances while Stoke's efforts went begging.
The result extends Brentford's winning start to the campaign, following victories over Wycombe U21 and Rennes. Stoke's form remains concerning, with only a goalless draw against Leeds U21 separating them from defeats. By then, the gap in the table — five points — looked set to widen further.