Ryan Trevitt and Nathan Young-Coombes were on target as Brentford Under-21s lifted the Premier League Cup with a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers Under-21s in Tuesday's final at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Trevitt was on hand to sweep home from Alex Gilbert's corner on the half-hour mark, before combining with Gilbert to set up Young-Coombes for the Bees' second.
Blackburn substitute Zak Gilsenan set up a grandstand finish when he pulled a goal back with four minutes remaining, but Brentford held firm to claim the Premier League Cup in their maiden season in the competition.
The tournament involves 32 teams from Premier League 2 and the Professional Development League, with Under-21 sides playing in a UEFA Champions League format.
"A night like tonight is an absolute fitting end to what has been a breathtaking season," Brentford U-21s head coach Neil MacFarlane told the club's official website. "I'm thrilled they delivered on the night. This was a big night for them; a great crowd and playing here at the Gtech [Stadium].
🏆 A brilliant group of young players 🙌#BrentfordB | #BrentfordFC | #PLCup pic.twitter.com/5zH9NwvVTh
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) May 9, 2023
"There was a lot of nervous energy in the dressing room beforehand but to go out on the pitch and deliver such a scintillating performance, I couldn't be happier for them.
"We thoroughly deserved the win but it's over the course of the season. We've been brilliant in the Premier League Cup and it's been a brilliant, brilliant tournament for us."
Brentford U21: Cox; Oyegoke, Ajer, Crama; Stevens, Syla, Trevitt, Adedokun; Gilbert, Young-Coombes (Dickov 80), Olakigbe
Subs not used: Waruih, Farr, Beckham, Yogane
Blackburn U21: Eastham; Gamble, Phillips, Gent; Duru (Gilsenan 46), Montgomery, Garrett, Batty (Pratt 83); O'Grady (Edmondson 74), Leonard, Burns (Weston 74)
Subs not used: Goddard
Premier League Cup winners
2013/14 Reading
2014/15 Southampton
2015/16 West Ham United
2016/17 Swansea City
2017/18 Aston Villa
2018/19 Everton
2019/20 N/A*
2020/21 N/A**
2021/22 West Brom
2022/23 Brentford
*Competition did not finish due to curtailment of season
**Competition did not take place
Photo credit: Mark D Fuller (OBFC pics)
