Aston Villa fell to a tough 3-1 loss to Brentford in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night.
Despite a dominant start and multiple chances for Villa at Bodymoor Heath, it was the away side who took a first-half lead through midfielder Alex Gilbert.
Brentford’s second goal also came against the run of play, with Gilbert scoring his second from the Bees’ first attack of the second half.
A brilliant left-footed finish from Tommi O’Reilly gave Villa hope of completing a comeback late on, but Kyreece Lisbie then netted for Brentford to secure the three points.
It was a strong start to the game from Villa, and captain Seb Revan came close to an opener after impressive build-up play from Cameron Archer and O’Reilly.
Then a marauding run from centre-back Kerr Smith saw the young defender beat several men on the dribble before setting up another chance for Revan, who could only find the side-netting with his strike.
Against the run of play, Brentford took the lead through Gilbert, who tapped in at the back post in the 36th minute.
Facing a one-goal deficit to begin the second half, the Young Lions upped their attacking efforts and took control of possession.
After a barrage of Villa attacks came to nothing, Gilbert was able to pounce on a loose ball to double Brentford’s lead in the 58th minute.
The breakthrough for Villa finally came in the 82nd minute, with O’Reilly lashing a wonderful strike into the top corner to reduce the Bees’ lead to one.
The Young Lions committed men forward in the closing stages of the game chasing an equaliser, but Brentford’s Lisbie ended hopes of a comeback by scoring the away side’s third in added time.
