Brentford B made it three wins out of three in the Robert Rowan Invitational after a sensational 6-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Young Bees took a commanding lead in the first half as goals from Andre Grey, Chance Headman, and Aaron Hickey took them into the half-time break with a three-goal lead.
Tottenham reacted strongly in the second half and pulled one back within 15 seconds of the restart after a sublime Ellis Lehane strike found the top corner before an extended period of dominance.
Brentford re-established control late on with Under-18s trio Emika Peters, Nedved Owusu, and Michel Boni scoring in the latter stages of the game to secure a commanding victory.
The Robert Rowan Invitational commemorates the life and legacy of former Brentford technical director, Robert Rowan, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 28 due to a fatal cardiomyopathy episode.
This fixture helps raise awareness for cardiac risk in the young, with all proceeds raised being donated to the Heart of the West London partnership.
Story of the Game
With Wednesday's Professional Development League National Play-Off final in mind, Brentford made wholesale changes, with first-teamers Aaron Hickey, Yunus Konak, and Gustavo Nunes involved.
The Young Bees opened the scoring within the opening ten minutes as Grey capitalised on a poor pass out by 'keeper Aaron Maguire before sliding the ball into the net with his left-foot under pressure.
Both sides started the game positively and sought to create chances via the wide areas, with Michael Olakigbe and Gustavo Nunes causing problems for Brentford, while Tyrese Hall and Oliver Irow did so for Tottenham.
The hosts were keen to stamp their authority on proceedings, with Nunes showcasing Brazilian flair, Konak industrious and aggressive in the middle, while the defence stood firm at the back.
Grey almost grabbed his second in the 28th-minute. After brilliant work by Michael Olakigbe down the left, the winger pulled the ball back towards the penalty spot but Grey directed his first-team effort wide.
Brentford did double their lead minutes later. After a quick free-kick down the left, Nunes provided a brilliant in-swinging cross for Headman to get in front of the keeper to direct a header in.
Matthew Cox was called into action moments after to make a clever save after Hickey's central pass was intercepted; the 22-year-old did well to recover his position before clawing the ball off the line.
Tottenham were able to fashion half-chances but were unable to get on the score sheet in the first half as Brentford's defence proved resolute and difficult to break through.
Hickey got in on the goals just before half-time. In a counter-attack orchestrated by Nunes and Olakigbe, Hickey received the ball on the edge of the area, skipped past a defender, then fired a strike into the bottom left.
Tottenham pulled one back within 15 seconds of the second half restarted as Lehane fired a sublime left-footed strike into the top corner from outside the area, leaving Cox no chance.
It was an immediate start that gave the north London side confidence, leading to an extended period of dominance that kept the defence and 'keeper very busy.
Tottenham were the much-better side after the break, with Tyrese Hall heavily influential and creating multiple chances. The momentum shifted upon his substitution late on.
Brentford re-established their control in the 78th-minute as substitute Peters calmly slotted the ball past substitute 'keeper Carey Bloedorn in a one-on-one to recreate the three goal cushion.
As a sea of substitutes washed over the game, Neil MacFarlane's ran riot, with Owusu converting from close range before Boni powered home a strike from inside the area in the last ten minutes.