Brentford B coach Neil MacFarlane was delighted with his side’s performance as the Bees booked their place in the Emirates Cup fourth round with a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough. 

MacFarlane was the man in the dugout at the Brentford Community Stadium for the third round clash, after head coach Thomas Frank missed the game due to a positive Covid-19 test. 

And due to a number of players having to self-isolate after the recent round of testing both sides were forced into making a number of changes for the third round clash, with no fewer than seven current or former Brentford B players taking to the field. 

But goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Saman Ghoddos either side of half time sealed the victory for a youthful Bees’ side, which left MacFarlane purring at the final whistle. 

“I think it’s a terrific day all round, it was obviously a really proud moment when I was asked to take the team on Friday and lead the team into today’s match,” MacFarlane said.  

“You’ve seen what this football club is all about today, there was a real togetherness and blend of youth and experience, and it was a real terrific team effort to get us into the hat for the next round. 

“I think our quality was good, especially the second goal, but the desire and work ethic, and the desire to be there for each other, I couldn’t ask any more of the boys. 

“We push them on a daily basis to be prepared for these moments, and they’ve really really helped not just today but they’ve also helped in recent months, and they’re acquitting themselves magnificently.”

After already reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season, Brentford will have their eyes on another cup run after the victory over Boro, with the fourth and fifth round draws scheduled for Monday night. 

And they were well worth the win against Neil Warnock’s side, with the much-changed team showing the hunger and desire needed to overcome their well-drilled opponents. 

Dervisoglu got the opening goal of the game with ten minutes left of the first half, as the Turk latched onto Ghoddos’ corner to fire into the bottom corner and give his side the advantage heading into the break. 

But a slow start to the second stanza cost the Bees dear, as substitute Sam Folarin capitalised on some indecision at the back to level the scores and put the tie back in the balance. 

It was Ghoddos who secured the victory just after the hour mark, as the Iranian star was played through before elegantly cutting in onto his right foot and burying his effort into the bottom corner. 

After a handful of appearances this season, the 27-year-old proved his quality in Saturday’s affair, with MacFarlane waxing lyrical about the midfielder post-match, who typified an outstanding performance from everyone in a red and white shirt. 

“It typified Saman’s day, I thought throughout the 90 minutes he was exceptional, and that's not just on the ball in possession,” the Brentford B boss said.  

“I think he typified what was an outstanding work ethic from all the team, some of our recovery runs when we had to deal with their counter attacks - I thought he and all the players recovered at real speed and defended that goal with their life. 

“That’s what we expect at this football club; Thomas [Frank], Brian [Riemer] and Kevin [O’Connor] have created something really special at this football club and it's a real privilege to continue that great work.”