Only time will tell how much, if any, significance can be taken from last night’s 2-2 draw between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford. Below strength Bees only held by the Red Devils or a shock upset in which two strong line ups will both argue they should have won it? As was once said, “You can’t win anything with kids” and whilst the same could have applied there was still enough recognisable talent along with plenty more suggesting strength in depth. On both sides. For me, Clive, an entertaining draw illuminated by four top quality goals. Perhaps, if anything, the other noteable result of the evening – FC Midtjylland dumping (is there any other way to exit early?) Celtic out of the Champions league is one that will have greater significance. Beyond a lot of smiles in the Benham household.
An action packed match at Old Trafford in which the hosts dominated the first half, Brentford the second. 1-1 at half time saw Anthony Elanga open the scoring for Manchester United with a quite wonderful turn and first time shot in the box. Raya left unable to do anything beyond marvel at the two tone blue ‘keepers shirt that emerged from nowhere to set the kit nerds into meltdown. Minutes later, it was level with Shandon Baptiste hitting a swerving shot from distance past United goalie Tom Heaton and in off the bar.
Yet if they were net busters, what came next from Andreas Pereira was goal of the game by a country mile. A clearance from Ethan Pinnock only fell as far as the midfielder who returns it with interest. Boom. My word. What . A. Strike. Credit where it’s due . A volley from hell. Another one to leave Raya floundering through no more reason than the sheer unstopabiltiy of the strike. Wow. Just wow.
With substitutions all round, to the point that the entire Bees outfield contingent swapped over, it was that man Bryan Mbeumo who levelled it up. A trademark run into the box and shot curled past Heaton. 2-2 the score and how it ended. For Brentford, a chance to test ourselves in one of the most famous football arenas the world over. A cracking result and another game unbeaten. The opportunity for fans to get back on the road once more. Even buy a half and half scarf. About as niche as they get but who’d have thought they’d ever see one of these? I’m not sure whether to hang my head or laugh.
Next up West Ham at home on Saturday. A large crowd are expected and this will be just as stern a test. Just as exciting an opportunity. The chance to watch live football en-masse something we’ve missed desperately. If Old Trafford ended up being a midweek step too far on this occasion, you can be sure we’ll be busting out the seas at the weekend.
As for the other result – Midtjylland beating Celtic – Henrik Dalsgaard was on hand to provide the assist for the winning goal. Matthew Bentham’s ‘other’ club progressing to the next round of the Champions’ League. The Glasgow side left to reflect on what might have been, once again. Yet with players from both clubs joining Brentford over the summer – and Frank Onyeka getting his own run out for The Bees last night – the direction of where football power is shifting would seem clear to all. The big question being can we hang on to it. The even bigger question being what the implications are should Brentford join the Danes in qualifying for European football?
Crazy? Perhaps. But what’s the point of going to football if you can’t dream. In a theatre or otherwise. Until then, very much a case of FrankIN. How nice to watch a game without the keyboard warriors doing their thing. Long may it continue.
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 
Nick, Firstly re. implications from qualifying for the Champions League , When this happens we should use our Rugby connections to negotiate playing our home games at the 82,000 capacity Twickenham Stadium.
Secondly the official site dose not as yet show a shirt number for Myles Peart _ Harris 100 looks good to me = 100MPH
Not normally a half & half scarf fan but for various reasons I might see if I can get that one.
Good performance and result last night, really looking forward to the season ahead.
Great summary Nick! And my what fantastic goals!
It looks like we have more strength in depth than I thought…
Nick, your dreams are certainly not crazy, they are reality. Benham, Ankersen, Giles, Frank, et al. Whilst it is possible the first couple of seasons in the Premier League may be lumpy the underlying upward trajectory is set.
There will continue to be those doubters who will keep looking back to those years in the wilderness and have an entrenched view that times never changed .and every time results are below expectations they will be noisy – such is life, as the legendary Ned Kelly said on the gallows. But those doubters will not stop the phenomenal momentum / head of steam developed since Benham walked through the door with a vision for the future.
The Benham vision is now reality and the next steps obviously the upper echelons of the Premier league and European competition. Your dream is the logical next step for Brentford.
Thank you so much Dad for first taking me to Griffin Park in 1954.