Brentford Under-18s made it back-to-back EFL Youth Alliance Merit League 2 victories on Saturday, defeating Newport County Under-18s 3-1 away from home.

Goals from Josh Djoro, Andre Grey and Ollie Shield secured the win at University of South Wales Sports Park, while a strong defensive display from the side ensured a second victory in a row.

Under-18 head coach Lydia Bedford made six changes to her starting line-up from last weekend’s win over Forest Green, with Kerron Samuels, Omaru King, Grey, Djoro, Adam Poliakov and Emeka Peters each coming into the starting group.

It was a hotly contested opening 10 minutes to the game, the home side applying strong pressure to Brentford’s backline.

The young Bees eased into the game and started to dominate possession. Their first real attacking chance coming on 13 minutes, Shield’s corner hitting Greg Asemokhai in the box who fired a shot, the ball deflecting off Djoro near the goal line and into the post.

Djoro continued to make his presence known up front, going one better four minutes later as he fired home a goal off a Peters assist to give Bedford’s side an early lead.

As it had been in the opening 10 minutes, the game became an even contest as the midway point of the half approached, both sides enjoying time on the ball without penetrating the opposition’s backline.

King was starting to become a threat down the right side as he warmed into the game, his speed proving a hassle for Newport’s defence. His first real chance came on 36 minutes as he beat his defender cutting inside and fired a left foot strike that was well saved by Fraser Needham in goal for the home side.

King was back at it again three minutes later, his cross finding Poliakov free in the box whose shot hit the post, before Peters’ shot from the rebound was saved by Needham to ensure the score stayed at 1-0 going into half-time.

The young Bees wasted no time going on the attack as the second half got under way, King cutting the ball inside on 47 minutes to Grey who found the back of the net from close range to make it 2-0.

The visitors nearly added a third goal a minute later, Peters finding himself on the end of a cross at the back post, but his shot went inches left of the goal.

As the second half continued to be played at a frantic pace the home side started to win some momentum back, their shot on 50 minutes cleared off the line by Shield.

King was at it again down the right side one minute later, beating multiple defenders and firing a right foot strike that was saved by Needham.

Despite the scoreline sitting at 2-0 as the second half of the second 45 minutes approached, the game continued to be a back and forth affair, both sides applying strong pressure when out of possession and looking to attack when on the ball.

Playing the role of distributor for the majority of the game, Shield nearly found himself on the scoresheet as he broke down the right side and scored, however he was ruled offside.

As full-time approached Newport continued to press for their opening goal, which they got through a Corey Evans' strike on 85 minutes.

Evans nearly found an equaliser on 89 minutes as he broke away and was one-on-one with Brentford keeper Connor Wolfheimer, however the young Bee made a superb save to keep the score 2-1.

As full-time approached the home side had all the momentum as they looked to equalise. Despite their continual attack on Brentford’s defence, the young Bees held strong.

Brentford were rewarded in added time, Asemokhai passing to Remy Bennison who gave it straight back, Asemokhai’s cross then finding Shield in the box who fired it home to make it 3-1 and secure the win.

Brentford U18: Wolfheimer, Shield, Samuels, Agyei, Klimas, Asemokhai, King (Bennison, 72’) Grey (Annous, 79’), Djoro (McSorley, 63’), Poliakov (Ombok, 82’), Peters (Francis, 58’)

Newport County U18: Needham, Evans, Jones (Young, 74’), Pugh (Shallis, 90+1’), Davison, Page, Evans, McCallum, Preston , Sheppard (Osborne, 74’), Alexander Walker

Subs not used: Coleman, Hopkins

Bedford praises her side's strategy implementation

Coming off a win last time out, Lydia Bedford was pleased with how her side implemented their game strategy following the 3-1 win over Newport County.

Having watched her side defend strongly to hold onto a lead, Bedford was pleased with their effort while conceding there is plenty to work on going forward.