Brentford U21s were crowned league champions after drawing 2-2 with Swansea City U21s at the Gtech Community Stadium.
A point was all the young Bees required to clinch the Professional Development League title heading into Sunday afternoon, as Sam Saunders’ side came from behind to level thanks to a Romelle Donovan free kick.
It caps off an incredible campaign for the B Team, who finished the season unbeaten in their last 10 in all competitions.
The trophy comes off the back of winning their PDL National Play-offs triumph last season.
Donovan was the only first-team player involved in the starting lineup, while Ollie Shield, Josh Stephenson and Luka Bentt all played after making Keith Andrews’ bench against Fulham in the Premier League the day before.
And unlike Saturday’s goalless draw, those in the Gtech got to enjoy some goals, the first coming after just five minutes when Ethan Laidlaw’s strike from the edge of the box took a heavy deflection on its way into the back of the net following a smart corner routine.
The Swans responded three minutes later, striker Morgan Bates finishing a ruthless counter-attack by stroking the ball beyond Julian Eyestone.
Brentford dominated the ball in the opening exchanges and progressed into some promising areas, but the final ball was lacking. Swansea defended their goal well – denying a couple of Bees strikes with heroic blocks.
The visitors took the lead for the first time two minutes into the second half when Bates, unmarked from a corner, guided a header home to score his second of the afternoon.
But a moment of magic levelled the score in the 51st minute when Brentford won a free kick just outside the Swansea box. Up stepped Donovan, who stroked the ball around the wall and into the bottom corner at the far post.
The 19-year-old was by far the most dangerous player on the pitch with his direct dribbling, drawing fouls and opening space for teammates.
The rest of the second half was stop-start, unable to find a rhythm with the referee regularly halting play for fouls.
Brentford pushed for a winner – substitute Andre Grey coming closest when his long-range effort rattled the post – but couldn’t beat the Swans keeper.
Even if the Bees had lost, they held a 14-goal advantage over second-placed Sheffield United in their next game to overcome – but the point meant the players were able to celebrate their achievement in front of their fans.
A trophy presentation took place at full time, captain Stephenson lifting the shield with his jubilant teammates.