Despite an improved second-half performance, an Amir Berkane goal wasn't enough to prevent a young Town U18s side suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brentford at Playford Road.
Town keeper Jacob Marsden was forced into the first save of the game, claiming Montell Moore's low shot moments after Teddy Bishop had to be replaced because of an early injury.
Centre-back George Fowler produced two magnificent blocks to deny the visitors; first heading Zain Westbrooke's shot off the line with Marsden beaten, before blocking Seika Jatta's effort from close range.
Town only threatened towards the end of the first period when Cemal Ramadan broke through, but his shot was deflected into the grateful arms of Nik Tzanev.
However, Town took the lead seven minutes after the restart when Ramadan flicked the ball on for Berkane, who placed his shot into the bottom corner.
And George Clarke should've doubled the lead ten minutes later but he rolled the ball just wide from six yards after being set up by Ramadan.
Sub Ed Ellis tested Tzanev with a volley after a fine ball from Fowler, but the visitors scored a deserved equaliser midway through the half when Moore dribbled through the Town defence and placed the ball past Marsden.
And the Bees claimed the win on 72 when a long ball forward saw Seth Owens beat Fowler for pace and finished well.
Despite pushing forward for another goal, Town weren't able to create any further clear-cut chances and despite the highly impressive performance of Fowler and young right-back Ronaldo Jones, they fell to defeat.
U18s: Marsden, Jones (Dozzell 77), Daly (Ford 69), Willbye, Fowler, Robinson, Berkane, Bishop (Ellis 13), Ramadan, G Clarke, M Clarke. Unused: Cole.
Report: James Ager