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A controversial Keane Lewis-Potter goal and a second-half penalty save by Hakon Valdimarsson earned Brentford a narrow victory over League Two Colchester in the Carabao Cup second round.
Lewis-Potter slotted in Kevin Schade’s cutback on the stroke of half-time, after Colchester defender Aaron Donnelly had gone to ground under the German winger’s challenge in the build-up.
Colchester were given a golden opportunity to equalise when Frank Onyeka brought down Mandela Egbo inside the penalty area with 10 minutes remaining, but Valdimarsson guessed the right way to foil Jack Payne from the spot.
Brentford almost doubled their advantage in stoppage time, Myles Peart-Harris firing at Macey before Nathan Collins sent a header wide from Mathias Jensen’s free-kick.
Bees boss Thomas Frank made nine changes from Sunday’s Premier League defeat at Liverpool, and his team survived an early scare when Tom Hopper shot straight at Valdimarsson after the visitors had failed to clear a long throw into the box.
In a disjointed first period at the Colchester Community Stadium, Fabio Carvalho – making his first Bees start – had a close-range effort blocked by Ben Goodliffe before seeing a low drive gathered by Macey.
The home side, who were beaten 1-0 by Harrogate Town on Saturday, made three changes at the break but rarely looked capable of clawing their way back into the contest until they were awarded a late spot-kick – but Payne failed to beat Valdimarsson from 12 yards.
Bees striker Ivan Toney, who is yet to feature for the club this season, was again left out of the matchday squad.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while Chelsea are also reported to be interested in signing Toney before the transfer window closes on Friday.
Brentford will host Leyton Orient in the third round.
