The Opposing View - Erith & Belvedere v Brentford, London Senior Cup, Tuesday 10th January 2023
with Ben Strange, Brentford B Communications Manager

Nik: How would you summarize Brentford B's season so far?

Ben: The B Team have had a brilliant 2022/23 campaign so far. The fixture programme allows the young players to be tested in all sorts of environments and results have been positive in recent months. Looking back prior to the Christmas period they went in to November with their first match against Bedfont Sports in the Middlesex Senior Cup. They put in a confident display with a 5-2 win before they then faced Peterborough United Under-21s in the Premier League Cup. That competition has been a brilliant learning experience for the side so far and they have progressed to the knockout rounds of that competition- sealing their place just prior to the pause in fixtures before Christmas. Part of the B Team’s fixture programme is also to provide the young players with experiences abroad and on 22 November they took on Como 1907 and they came up against a tough Italian side on the banks of Lake Como where the home side claimed the win. A dominant performance against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s followed, but they were beaten on that day by two quickfire goals from the Lancashire side and, despite a host chances, the young Bees were unable to get back into the match in the Premier League Cup. Once again the side headed overseas and this time it was the Netherlands as they faced two tough tests against Jong PSV and Jong AZ Alkmaar. The first match against PSV ended in a 1-1 draw before they beat Jong AZ 2-1 courtesy of a late goal from Charlie Farr. Prior to the Christmas break the young Bees beat Peterborough United Under-21s away from home where they confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the competition with goals from Aaron Pressley and Edon Pruti.

Nik: Do Brentford take this competition seriously?

Ben: Brentford B take the London Senior Cup seriously, as it’s a brilliant opportunity for the young players to come up against men’s opponents which will aid their development. Dealing with those physical challenges and potentially coming up against teams who will sit deep and look to counter-attack offers a great chance to learn. The side went all the way to lift the trophy last season and they will be aiming for the same again.

Nik: What do you know of Erith & Belvedere?

Ben: We know that Erith & Belvedere are in fantastic form at the moment and it will be nothing less than a tough game for the young Bees. Erith & Belvedere are flying high at the top of their league this season and will go into the game very confident on home soil.

Nik: Prediction and thoughts on Erith & Belvedere v Brentford B?

Ben: I can’t give a score prediction, but I expect it to be a physical battle where the B Team will have to put in a very good performance if they wish to progress to the next round. It will be an exciting match and interesting to see how Erith & Belvedere adapt to players who are perhaps a little younger than the players they normally come up against.

Nik: Thanks for your time, Ben