Unfinished Business

Brentford 1 - Colchester 1

Brentford failed to take their chances as Colchester held out for a 1-1 draw at a sunny Griffin Park on Good Friday.

Brentford started the game with a fairly makeshift back five of Moore, Spillane, Karleigh, Neilson (CB) and Kev (LB) and were at sixes and sevens for the opening period.

The visitors made some adequate pressure count with a somewhat spawny goal on 15 minutes when Stephen Gillspie's miscued shot was headed home by Ian Henderson

Gradually Brentford got their game in order and were unlucky not to be level before the break with visiting keeper Ben Williams making fantastic stops from Myles Weston and Karleigh Osborne.

Lewis Grabban had a lively game up front for the Bees and had a number of chances - some which he created himself with nifty footwork. He should have done better when put through on goal when he lifted the ball at a stretch over Williams but wide of the post.

Adam Reed was introduced to the fray and drove Brentford forward from the centre of the park. It was one of his driving runs which led to the free kick from which Sam Saunders clinically netted on 75 minutes - Williams seemingly stood in completely the wrong part of his goalmouth.

Brentford had chances to win all three points, Grabban again the main culprit as he lashed the ball over the bar on the turn.

The Bees had earlier visibly improved when the left footed Sam Wood was introduced at left back allowing Kev to swap to the right. This immediately provided better balance and - in my opinion - is how we should have started the game. Robbie Neilson looked troubled at centre half for much of the match but was probably our only viable option with Pim and Legge injured.

Robbie Simpson was given a full 90 minutes up front yesterday but did little to impress. Barely a twitter from the loanee forward in fact.

Brentford sit in 10th position currently in League One and face Martin Allen's Notts County on Monday (away).

Bees - Moore, Spillane (Wood), Neilson, Osborne, Kev, Saunders, Dave, Bean (Reed), Weston (Byrne), Grabban, Simpson

Unused Bees - Royce, Wright, Reeves, Schlupp

With thanks to beesotted for their match report

April 26, 2011