Bees couldn't quite get there

Brentford's defensive frailties earlier in the season seem to have been fixed with a more settled back four playing in their preferred positions. With Hamer a calming influence at the back and Karleigh relishing his run of games in the middle of defence the bees have gone four games without letting in a goal.

The defence looked comfortable again yesterday and when Hamer was asked to make a save they were fairly routine. He did spill one shot but Pim was on hand to whack the ball away.

In the middle and up front things looked a little more pedestrian and at times one wondered if some players were saving themselves for the Everton game. They all did their usual thing, apart from Miles who had one of his frustrating games when things only rarely came off for him. Adams looked bright and regularly got crosses in, Dave did some nice stuff but did give the ball away cheaply once or twice.

The best of the bees play came in the first half with Spillane having the best chance cleared off the line by a Pools defender. Their goalie made a fine save from an Alexander header and an Adams shot from distance. Hartlepool's best chance came when Karleigh diverted a shot against the post and away.

Although Brentford had the best chances of the first half they did let the opposition have a lot of the ball.

The second half was less exciting with very few efforts.

Adams was subbed by Saunders on 65 minutes. Saunders ran around a lot and looked very pumped up but didn't manage anything until the last moments of the match with a stunning free kick that just went the wrong side of the post.

Nicky Forster, on for Alexander with 12 minutes remaining came close but put the ball wide.

I suppose we could have won the game, we had the better chances, but probably didn't deserve more than the point we got. It looks like the defence has sorted itself out for the moment, we just need to convert some chances.

Brentford: Hamer; Spillane, Osborne, Balkestein, Woodman; Adams (sub Saunders 65 mins), O'Connor, Diagouraga, Weston; MacDonald, Alexander (sub Forster 78 mins)

Subs (not used): Lee, McCracken, Legge, Bean, Wood

September 22, 2010