SAINTS under-21s were unable to reach the Premier League Cup final after they were beaten 2-0 by a well-drilled Brentford at St Mary's.

It has been an impressive season for Calum McFarlane's side, who still have a Premier League 2 play-off match to come, but they were second best.

The Bees raced into the lead within 90 seconds through Iwan Morgan, before Caelan Avenell added the second in the 54th minute of the match.

Saints had plenty of possession but struggled to break down the pragmatic visitors, who defended and looked to counter quickly in attack. 

It means a West London derby is in store for Brentford, who will take on QPR after they won in the other semi-final contest against Burnley.

Saints were without star man Jay Robinson, who watched on from the stands ahead of his expected involvement with the first team on Saturday.

Morgan netted the first for Brentford in the second minute with his third bite of the cherry, capitalising on some slow defending in the box.

The second was textbook for the visitors, who charged through the space in the middle of the pitch and emphatically finished a square ball.

Poor deliveries meant Saints wasted dead ball and crossing opportunities, while substitute Nick Oyekunle saw a close-range chance saved. 

Brentford's Morgan had his team's third goal ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Josh McNamara late on, after a slick one-touch set-piece move. 

Saints still have a chance of winning silverware and host Fulham in the Premier League 2 play-off quarter final on Monday, May 5 (7pm).

Saints: McNamara; Abu, Payne, Lawrence, Kayi-Sanda, Larios; Bragg, Akachukwu, Sesay; Merry, Ehibatiomhan.

Subs: Abbotson, Moore, Charles, Malak, Oyekunle.