Colchester 0-1 Brentford: Bees ride luck to reach next round

Brentford rode their luck at both ends of the pitch to reach the third round of the EFL Cup at League Two Colchester’s expense.

At the end of a disjointed, uneventful first-half at the Colchester Community Stadium, Keane Lewis-Potter slotted the Bees ahead after Aaron Donnelly had gone to ground under Kevin Schade's challenge.

Colchester's defenders all looked up, expecting the referee to award the home side a free-kick, but Paul Howard kept his whistle from his lips as Lewis-Potter celebrated - looking slightly sheepish - with team-mate Fabio Carvalho.

Having taken the lead in controversial fashion, the Bees failed to add to their advantage in the second half and almost paid the price when Colchester were awarded a late penalty for Frank Onyeka's foul on Mandela Egbo.

An equaliser would have sent the tie to penalties, but Jack Payne's low effort was saved by goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson as Thomas Frank's team held on.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is yet to play for the Bees this season, was again left out of the matchday squad by Frank. The 28-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Chelsea are also reported to be keen on securing the frontman's signature before the summer transfer window closes on Friday.