Brentford B sealed themselves a place in the last eight of the Premier League Cup as they beat Middlesbrough Under-21s 2-1 at the Lamex Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Both Brentford goals came in the first half through J’Neil Bennett and Alex Gilbert in what was another assured display from the young Bees.

It was a match which started fairly measured with both sides getting a feel for the game as possession was traded in the early stages. A low cross from Kyreece Lisbie was the first threat on the Boro goal but that was turned away well which preceded Brentford’s first real chance on 11 minutes. An impressive kick from goalkeeper Matt Cox found the run of Lisbie and his low cross found Bennett but he miscued as the hosts cleared.

Bennett went close one more time on 17 minutes as this time Tony Yogane looked to turn provider, but Bennett was once again denied by a defensive block. On 25 minutes the Bees got their opener, and it came following a clever set piece. As Gilbert found Trevitt, who came a little short in the box, his first time effort was well blocked before the rebound fell to Bennett who fired home from close range.

The Bees were dominant and they hunted for more goals soon after grabbing their first goal. Gilbert saw his effort well blocked before Bennett was played in down the right but his powerful drive was well saved Max Metcalfe’s near post.

Another chance fell for Tristan Crama following a corner when the driven set piece found its way to the far post, but the Frenchman’s powerful drive was well blocked. Next to try his luck was Val Adedokun when Yogane checked onto his left foot before crossing to the far post but the Irishman’s side foot volley went just over.

Brentford made sure they were two to the good in first half stoppage time when Gilbert wasn’t closed down centrally, and he found himself in space before unleashing an effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

Alex netted in superb fashion at the Lamex Stadium

The home side started the second half with a couple of promising moments from their perspective when Bryant Bolongo latched onto a corner but was unable to keep his header on target. Moments after a low cross into the box almost presented substitute Fenton John with an opportunity but he was unable to connect as he slid in.

The Bees then had two chances from identical positions as Gilbert whipped in a stunning free-kick but Crama could only head wide of goal with power. The Brentford number 10 then had another great chance from the same position when Gilbert once again crossed with pace but Lisbie could only direct his header just over the bar.

Daniel Oyegoke also had a header from close range on 64 minutes following a corner but his effort was parried away by the keeper.

On 72 minutes Boro then managed to pull a goal back and it came when the ball was squared along the box and Sonny Finch took the ball well with his first touch before he slotted home past Cox with precision.

Brentford’s game management was then test for the final 10 minutes as they looked to control the game. They did that impressively as they limited their opponents to no more clearcut chances as they held out to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Brentford B: Cox, Lisbie (McManus, 90+2) Adedokun, Oyegoke, Crama, Jones, Olakigbe (Dickov, 78) Trevitt, Bennett, Gilbert, Yogane (Holland, 78)

Subs not used: Wilcox, Beckham,

Middlesbrough U21: Metcalfe, Gitau, Bilongo, Whelan, Lindo, Traore (McCabe, 70) Woolston, Stott (John, 45) Finch, Sivi, Collins (Gibson, 52)

Subs not used: Simpson, Popple

Attendance: 70