Bees out of Carling Cup

But what a performance! Birmingham City 1 Brentford 1 (4-3 penalties)

Brentford lost on penalties at Birmingham last night after coming very close to providing another cup shock, backed by 3123 noisy supporters.

Brentford - who matched their hosts throughout normal time - had taken the lead through Sam Wood in the 68th minute when he smashed home a cushioned header from Charlie Macdonald.

In an entertaining game, Brentford had some other great chances - Woodman hitting the bar with a free kick, Weston testing Maik Taylor with a stinging drive and Spillane having a volleyed shot cleared off the line.

At the other end Richard Lee was again in good form with a brave save from Parnaby and a flying stop in the second half the highlights.

It was two minutes into injury time - and shortly after Charlie Macdonald had been booked for simulation after what looked like a trip in the box at the other end of the pitch - that veteran Kevin Phillips levelled the game. There were suspicions of offside about the goal but that doesnt really make any difference because it was given.

Brentford, to their credit, clung on throughout extra time - although fatigue was starting to show. Hunt came on for Charlie as Scott added extra protection in front of his backline, but this limited our options going forwards.

The game eventually went to penalties - Birmingham winning 4-3 with Bowyer missing for the Blues and Spillane(hit bar) and Woodman (saved) failing to notch for The Bees.

Despite the result it was a great night out and a performance to be proud of - both on and off the field.

There are some great photos here on the Offical Site

Bees - Lee, Woodman, KO, Legge, Spillane, Wood, Bean, Kev, Weston (Simmo), Alexander (Grabban), Mac (Hunt)

After the game, Andy Scott commented:

'I'm very very proud. We're obviously very disappointed. I dont think anybody would deny we deserved to win in 90 minutes'

'I think Brentford as a club hasn't had the recognition it deserved over the last few years.'

'We have a strong club, I am a young manager, we have players we have brought out of non league.'

'We've proved we have a strong club with a good fan base, good enough to bring 3,000 supporters here tonight.'

With thanks to beesotted for their match report

October 27, 2010