A key aspect behind the B Team fixture programme is to give the young players as many challenging experiences as possible.

Whether that be tests against some of Europe’s most talented players at youth level or highly experienced professionals who have had long careers at a high level within the game.

November 2022 saw Neil MacFarlane’s side bound for Lombardy and the wonderfully scenic city of Como. Their opponents, Como 1907 who ply their trade in the second tier of Italian football. It was an opportunity for the hosts to give first team players minutes, as well as give some of their young players the chance to test themselves against a young Bees side who were in a brilliant vein of form.

The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia was the venue, and though no spectators were allowed, the impressive stadia added to a talented Como side provided a stern test as the wind whipped across the shores of the famous lake into the venue. Brentford perhaps weren’t at their strongest. They lost both Tristan Crama and Nico Jones to illness in the build-up to the game, the two of which have been stalwarts in the B Team back line thus far this season therefore some adjustments were needed to the group. Como had Alessandro Gabrielloni in their ranks, a 28-year-old forward who has played well over 100 times for the side, and he came up with two goals whilst 17-year-old Federico Chinetti showed a glimpse of his ability when he curled home with expert precision. It was a brilliant learning experience for the B Team, who got on the scoresheet through Aaron Pressley as he marked his return from a long-term injury with a goal, and it was a game where, in fairness, the young Bees displayed many positives and creating some brilliant goal scoring opportunities.

Take a look inside the trip as the side are challenged further as they continue their push into First Team football.