Brentford B Head Coach Neil MacFarlane felt his side thoroughly deserved their three points as they beat Peterborough United Under-21s in the Premier League Cup on Friday evening.

The young Bees came away with a 3-2 win to keep themselves top of Group D after three matches. They held a three-goal lead going into injury time before the opponents struck twice very late on. Having seen out the win in a game where the side had some terrific moments, MacFarlane believes the match provided more brilliant learning experiences for the players.

He explained: “I felt the first half was even and at half-time I felt we could do more. I thought that out of possession in the first half we were outstanding in our 3-4-3 shape and were never really penetrated by Peterborough. We had a really good bit of build-up play which led to Trev (Ryan Trevitt) being fouled and Alex scoring our goal. We had a couple of other good moments too. We knew we had to step it up a level and at the start of the second half, for 25 or 30 minutes, some of our football was breathtaking.

Alex Gilbert grabbed the opening goal of the game

“Our build-up play got better. The last 15 minutes of the first half we were giving the ball away carelessly. We were much tidier in the second half and we built through the lines and we went through with real penetration and speed. We created so many chances throughout the course of the second half, but we need to be more ruthless and finish the game altogether. It could have been four, five or six in the second half but it wasn’t, and we then can’t lose that concentration at the end to give them (Peterborough) any chance. It was a thoroughly deserved win overall.”

Discussing those late goals for Peterborough, as well as the wider competition and how his side are faring, MacFarlane says his team are relishing the tests that the tournament provides.

He continued: “It’s a brilliant experience for them. We spoke in the dressing room about being more ruthless. We then conceded the first goal and then we can’t concede the second, but even then we showed our mentality because we had more chances at the end to score ourselves. These are brilliant experiences for us, and the Premier League Cup has been a brilliant addition this season. Our group has really responded to it. To get three wins from three in one of the toughest groups I think says a lot for our young players.”

Another highlight of the night was welcoming back forward Aaron Pressley following his long-term injury. The 21-year-old grabbed the final 10 minutes of action and MacFarlane is delighted to have him back available for selection.

“It’s brilliant. What an amazing character as well," said the B Team Head Coach. “He’s somebody who has been through a tough time after his loan at Wimbledon as he’s been out for a long period. To see him back within the squad and to enter the pitch tonight- it’s a good moment for him. It’s now about building him up"

Aaron Pressley is back in action for the Bees!