Happy with that? Brentford picked up another point at Leeds United in a game (1-1) they could, arguably, have emerged triumphant from. Mind you, whilst Marinus gave a post match interview with BBC Billy in which he praised the Bees and seemed disappointed by ‘only’ a draw, I’m sure Uwe Rösler would have felt the same. The former Brentford boss reflecting, “The last 25-30 minutes we battered them in a football sense and could have won the game.”
Uwe . Once a Bee, now at Leeds
Well Uwe, you could have but you didn’t. And not for the first time. I saw an interesting stat on the BBC that noted Leeds United have only scored two goals against us in five matches, failing to win any of them in a run that stretches back to the 2009-10 season and League One.
Indeed, it is 7(seven) points out of a possible 9 in less than 12 months for the Bees, following our 2-0 win at Griffin Park in late September 2014 and the 1-0 triumph at Elland Road back in February. Not bad for a team that have been frequently referred to in the past, by certain elements of the opposition support, as some sort of tinpot outfit.
Our tinpot holds 9 points out of the last 15 against Leeds
As ever, if you want the full match report then the BBC, Beesotted, the official site or Sky Sports (who also had first crack at the video highlights) are the places to go. Otherwise, the official site now has their own version up on YouTube. The ever wonderful Mark Burridge providing comms and excitement, with Mark Chapman the club’s deputy head of media and communications (rather than a shock transfer from 5live) on ‘sidekick’ duties.
Mark Burridge – could make paint drying sound exciting
What we do need to note here is that it’s the first time this season that Brentford have scored the opener rather than having to come from behind (as happened against Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Burnley and Reading).
Of course, this was no different to last season where we seemed to have a knack of conceding the first goal, rather than scoring it. The Bees had an identical record then before finally ending that hoodoo fifth time around, against Rotherham.
On Saturday, Marco Djuricin was the man to break the deadlock, scoring on his Brentford debut after great work and a delightful ball from Alan Judge. He almost made it two, denied only by the post after Lasse Vibe picked up a somewhat wayward clearance from Leeds ‘keeper Marco Silvestri. But it wasn’t just these two efforts.
After the somewhat lacklustre and shot shy performance on our previous away trip, to Burnley, this was a team who have remembered the way to goal. Even if they did only find it the once.
As for Leeds, their equaliser was one we have seen before. A clearance out from the goalkeeper combined with midfield faffery.
Debutant Ryan Woods, only on the pitch for two minutes, has taken full ownership, and had the finger pointed at him. Fair enough, it happens. That said, with a player bearing down on the new boy, was this really the best ball out to him from the goalkeeper? Or is the midfielder solely responsible?
Ryan Woods holds up his hands
I hate to sound critical. David Button is an absolutely a fantastic ‘keeper and I wouldn’t swap him for anybody in the division. Indeed, at just 26 could the national side still beckon? It’s just a tad frustrating given it’s not as though we haven’t been caught like this several times before.
This is small complaint though. And as has been noted, Leeds were only the width of a post away from similar at the other end. Instead, what I really take from this game is a goal conceded by an unfortunate mistake rather than players going awol or huge holes being carved through our defence. Likewise, a much more positive performance in front of the opposition goal.
Next for the Bees are a few days together up North before heading over to Middlesbrough for Tuesday night’s game at the Riverside. Nobody said Championship life would get any easier second time around. I’m just loving the fact we have the chance to really test ourselves.
Marinus has his new look squad together and learning more about themselves on – and off – the pitch. Fingers crossed we can pick up against Middlesbrough from where we left off here.
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 