Brentford Under-21s suffered their first defeat in 13 league games as they were beaten 3-0 by Millwall Under-21s at the Den on Tuesday.

A slow start to the first half saw Millwall take full control by scoring two goals. An improved performance in the second half could not overturn the deficit though as the home side added a third.

Millwall were the side on top to begin the game and in the opening seven minutes of the game, they took the lead.

An inviting corner found Frankie Baker at the back post and he was the quickest to react as he poked the ball into the net.

Brentford reacted to the early goal from the hosts by controlling the next 20 minutes of the game.

Good passages of play caused the Lions to retreat, however the young Bees were yet to test George Clarke Evans in the Millwall net.

At the midway point in the first period, Millwall created and scored their second opportunity of the game as Baker was again in the right place, diverting a Benjamin Arthur attempted clearance into the net.

MacFarlane’s side began the second period in the ascendancy and should have halved the deficit as Ethan Laidlaw slid in Ethan Brierley but the midfielder one-on-one with the keeper failed to find the back of the net as Evans made the stop.

The Millwall goalkeeper made another great save soon after, denying Isaac Holland on this occasion following his volley in the box.

The home side went close to a third as Jet Dyer’s header from a corner hit the crossbar.

A third was then added to the scoreline from Daniel Kelly in second-half stoppage time as the young Bees suffered a heavy defeat.

The defeat means that the young Bees suffer their first defeat in the league after a run of 13 league games unbeaten. This is MacFarlane’s side’s first league loss since a 2-1 defeat against Cardiff City in September 2024.

Brentford are back at Wheatsheaf Park in their next fixture as they take on Birmingham City on Friday 28 February.

Brentford: Rose, Fredrick (Wilcox 90+3), McManus (Williams 69), Stephenson, Arthur (Avenell 76), Owen, Holland, Brierley, Laidlaw, Krauhaus (Dickov 46), Donovan.

Unused subs: Grey

Millwall: Evans, Evans, Sturge, Wintle, Harding (Lamptey 60), Wallace, Howland (Drakę 87), Massey, Baker, Kelly, Emakhu (Dyer 60)

Unused subs: Przewoźny, Kendall

Booked: Massey 45+1

Slow start costs young Bees

Brentford Under-21s head coach Neil MacFarlane was disappointed with his side's first half against Millwall, however was pleased with their response in the second half.

The young Bees went into the break 2-0 down and despite having multiple chances in the second 45 minutes, couldn't find the back of the net as they fell to a 3-0 defeat.