Alex Rhodes staked a claim for a first team place by scoring a hat-trick to celebrate his return to his former club in Brentford's 5-0 win away to Newmarket Town on Saturday.

Brentford fielded a side consisting of youngsters and triallists with the exception of Andy Myers, Jay Smith and captain Michael Dobson.

They went ahead after only two minutes when third year scholar Luke Muldowney tapped in a Rhodes low cross.

Rhodes then converted a penalty for a foul on himself in the 30th minute.

Rhodes skilfully chipped the goalkeeper for his second (53 minutes) and completed his hat-trick in the 63rd minute.

Second year scholar Ryan Peters, aged 16, capped a fine display by rounding off the scoring with a ten yard shot three minutes later.

Brentford: Julian (Lennie, ht); Dobson, Somner, Sodje, Myers; Smith (J), Muldowney (Soloman 23 mins), Morrison (Tougar 67 mins), Hillier (Small 58 mins); Peters, Rhodes. Sub not used: Whitbread.

Brentford beat Arundel 3-0 on Monday with goals from make-shift striker Sam Sodje, Jay Smith and substitute George Moleski.

It believed to be the first time the club has maintained a 100 per cent record in a pre-season schedule.

They have had nine friendlies, three of them behind closed doors, and won them all.

Brentford brought on 15-year-old school of excellence youngster Russ Howell as a substitute but manager Martin Allen decided against giving his son Gordon, also 15, a substitute appearance because the game became so physical.

Brentford: Julian, Tougar (Weight ht), Palmer (Steele 60 mins), Somner (capt), Ansell, Hillier, Smith (J), Morrison, Small (Moleski 73 mins), Sodje (Howell 78 mins), Peters. Subs not used: Lennie, G. Allen.