Floodlight Robbery

Brentford 1 - 1 Colchester

Brentford travelled the short distance home from Wycombe Brentford were last night denied top spot in League One by an injury time Anthony Wordsworth free kick as they drew 1-1 with Colchester.

The Bees played some fine football under the Griffin Park floodlights and were very unfortunate not to win.

We did - very briefly - top League One when Clayton Donaldson raced on to a clever Myles Weston through ball, shrugged off his marker and finished beautifully. You can see the goal by clicking this link.

Donaldson was excellent throughout the evening, playing at the point of a 4-3-3 formation. His movement and control were a joy to watch - the only shame was that he didn't have another central striker alongside him to convert the chances created by his brilliant forward play.

Brentford had chances to extend their league - particularly after O'Toole was sent off for a crude two footed lunge at Myles Weston - with Jonathan Douglas denied twice by keeper Cousins. Donaldson also had a shot blocked after some good approach play from sub Grella.

The Us equaliser came after an alleged foul by home debutant Miguel Llera on the edge of the box - apparently the first time Richard Lee has ever let in a direct free kick.

Llera, who came in to the team at the expense of Marcel Eger, looked very assured on the ball, arrowing two wonderful crossfield passes to the galloping Weston. He also majestially whalloped a free kick high over the New Road roof.

Blair Adams also made a first Brentford start and showed some excellent attacking endeavour - it was his run and cute chipped pass that set up Marcus Bean to volley at goal in the first half - U's keeper Cousins making a fine stop.

Colchester were not without their chances - Richard Lee adding to more top drawer saves to his growing collection - but Brentford were the dominant force last night.

Niall McGinn had an impressive first half, causing mayhem as he ran at the opposition - although his final ball was sometimes lacking. Adam Thompson - who will be staying a further month on loan - also put in another assured performance.

Whilst it was disappointing not to win last night, most fans will have left the ground heartily encouraged by our exciting football.

Bees - Lee, Thommo, KO, Llera, Adams (Wood), Reeves (Kev), Bean, Douglas, McGinn, Weston (Grella), Donaldson.

Unused Bees - Moore, Eger

With thanks to beesotted for their match report

September 14, 2011