Brentford 1 United 1 - report

[Deadbat_DB]

The Blades had to settle for a point in a thoroughly entertaining game of football played amidst abysmal conditions at Griffin Park. United started poorly but grew into the game and missed three clear chances to lead. After the break a deflected Chris Basham shot have the visitors the lead but a sloppy piece of defending saw Chris Mepham fire through a sea of bodies to level. Brentford had rarely threatened up to this stage. Immediately after the goal; Ryan Woods tussled with Jamal Blackman in an attempt to get the ball back and both players exchanged almost comedic slaps. It was handbags really but the referee felt that they had to sent off due to raising their hands. Surely in this instance yellows would have sufficed? The red cards helped United more as without the influential Woods; Brentford from being back into the game; seemed to run out of gas. United in contrast dominated much of the final stages and created at least 3 clear cut chances. Indeed the Bees had Daniel Bentley to thank for getting an undeserved point.

Manager Wilder had to make changes from the last game as he was without the injured Mark Duffy and also decided Lee Evans exploits overseas meant a start may be too much. Ryan Leonard returned to midfield with John Lundstram coming in. Chris Basham was back in the side after recently becoming a Father. Brentford still had an outside chance of making the playoffs but knew they had to take three points today or their season would effectively be over.

The game began with the lashing rain showing no sign of abating in a foul afternoon. United kicked away from their sold out following in the Brook Road end of the ground. The home side started on the front foot and made the early running winning an early corner and then seeing a driven cross evade everyone. United had struggled to get a foothold and gave the ball away several times as Brentford sought to use their pace down the flanks.

Basham and Steadman had to be alert twice to snuff out danger as runners nearly got in.

The home side forced the first effort as nobody closed down Dalsgaaard and his shot saw Moore scramble across his goal to push clear.

Brentford had been the better side and Yennaris almost got in but out of nothing the best chance came for United. A move down the left saw the ball come over and Sharp turned wide with the goal gaping.

The game was now more even and Fleck started to have an impact in midfield. A guilt edged chance came with a ball whizzed in from Fleck and Sharp got on the end of it but he did not make proper contact and the ball got stuck between his feet and Bentley saved right on the line. A mixture of Clarke and Sharp converged on the rebound but the referee deemed it a foul as Bentley dropped on the ball.

Another chance came as a lovely move saw the ball played across the field and neat football saw the ball come over from Baldock but Sharp missed again when unmarked but the offside flag spared his blushes. Fleck then shot at the keeper before Camps had an effort blocked at the other end.

On the stroke of half time United had another good chance. The ball came over and was not cleared and sat up for Baldock but he sliced just wide.

The second half came after Bob Booker had done his customary half time sure at this fixture. Bashsm was booked for a clumsy challenge before Lundstram who had struggled with the pace came off witb Evans replacing him. United were to go in front soon after.

Fleck made the running down the left and came inside but his cross was half cleared but BASHAM came onto the ball and hit a fierce shot but the deflection saw the ball completely wrong foot Bentley. It was a touch of fortune for United but they were in front. Basham slid in the sodden surface in front of the jubilant United fans.

Brentford made a double change with Watkins and Mokotjo for Macleod and Camps as Dean Smith tried to find some new energy. Sharp then came off for former Bees hero Donaldson


Basham had played well but gave away a free kick on the angle of the box. The leveller came from this as the cross came in and Blackman sort of half came for it but stopped. The header away from Basham lacked power and MEPHAM hit it right into the corner through bodies. As the home fans celebrated; Woods tried to get the ball back but Blackman held onto it. A skirmish ensued and Woods raised his hand first but it was barely anything. Blackman reacted with a push of his own. The referee called the keeper over first and sent him off. He then went up to Woods and he got the same treatment. It seemed harsh and unnecessary but he had been poor throughout so not a surprise.

Another former Brentford man Moore came on with Leonard giving way as United opted to keep two strikers on the pitch.

Fleck played a lovely ball over the top and Donaldson was in but his first touch as he advanced one on one took him a bit close to Bentley and as the attempt came in, the keeper smothered. It was a great chance. United were now making all the running. Fleck ran st the defence again and had a shot blocked. Baldock then got down the right but overhit the cross. Brentford seemed out of ideas but still had a threat with pace on the break.

Clarke had not had the best of games but he showed great skill and footwork to make a chance for himself. He nutmegged a defender and then went past another and he was in on goal. He tried to clip it under the keeper but Bentley saved. It was another great chance and another very good save. Bentley somehow got injured in making the save.

There was five minutes of stoppage time to be played and both teams were going for it knowing a win was all important. United looked the more likely though and were throwing men forward and breaking in numbers.

Clarke got down the left and fed his partner Donaldson who came in on the angle and was again in on goal. His effort, this time on the angle, was saved by the legs of Bentley and out for a corner. The resultant kick was cleared and the full time whistle came straight after. Many of the Blades players slumped to the floor; a sure sign that they knew that it was a game that they had done enough to win.

[Deadbat_DB]

United – We were really good today. Started slowly but got better and even though the first half ended up quite even; we had the better chances and if Sharp is more clinical we go in two up. We sat off early but then started pressing more and coupled with keeping the ball better; suddenly they were made to look quite ordinary. Half time came and went and then we looked much better and scored. They did not create much and the goal came out of the blue really but we had given a few daft free kicks away. When they scored; regardless of the red cards I felt they may step it up and go on and create a lot of chances but the opposite happened.

United were then fairly dominant but missed so many clear chances. Not half chances but 3 one on one’s and a few others too. We had at least 5 really good chances in the game. They did not really have any at all and can only recall a fairly routine Blackman parry and an easy Moore take near the end. We looked more dominant, more incisive and more determined. With better finishing it would have been a routine 3-1 win but we did not take the chances. The defence (save Blackman’s mad minute) were excellent; the midfield worked hard and Fleck was a menace all game. I felt Clarke and Sharp got in good positions but were wasteful. Clarke was languid at times and needs to do much more. Despite the misses Donaldson was a threat with his pace and running.

Today despite us not winning; I was really pleased with us. It was more like the team earlier in the season where we threw caution to the wind. We attacked well and were decisive in passing and moving. Second half especially we were very good. We worked hard, pressed, got it off them and then went the other way and at speed a lot more than we have done. The game was a bit of a basketball game as they had to throw men forward too and this made it a very exciting game. Despite the conditions; both teams passed it well and served up a really entertaining game.

United will be disappointed but the results keep us right in it. We play like that as Wilder says and we will not be far off. Just got to finish the chances we have. We have some excellent players and some very consistent but 2 or 3 stood out as not quite being at that level (Clarke, Stevens and Lundstram) today.

Overall I really enjoyed watching us play today. It was a brave performance that showed character and no little skill. We looked a side who for the most part really wanted it today and were so close to getting what they deserved.

Monday is a huge game. Cardiff have won 8 straight. They are due a defeat so you never know. We just have to replicate today's much improved performance.


Brentford – Expected a lot better. They were very good at Bramall Lane and at times cut us open. At times I have seen them and they have looked very good. Today they started well but faded badly. In the end United looked a much better side and made them look ordinary for the 2nd half. They were careless with the ball and looked as if they could be got at the back. Up front looked a bit toothless. Have some pace down the flanks and at times we were full stretch. Glad Watkins, another speedster did not start as I do rate him. I think the lad Woods is a cracking player but was idiotic today.
Both players were idiotic but Woods was trying to get the ball and the other Brentford players were still celebrating so it was a bit odd. He now misses 3 of the 7 games they have left. As I say both players stupid even though it was yellows for me.

They will miss out now which will disappoint them as they are one of the better footballing sides in the League. Play in front of such small crowds though and done well to even get some of the players they have; especially from abroad. Not sure until they improve income (new ground imminent dI know) and flirting with playoffs will be about height of ambitions.

[Deadbat_DB]

Blackman 5/10 – Made one good save first half low down that you would expect him to save. Little else to do really. However on the goal he came and the stopped and was in no man's land. They smashed the ball into the net and he was well beaten. Then he stupidly got in a tussle. Hate it when goalies/players grab the ball after a goal to stop the other team getting it. Daft of him and as reckless as Moore when he got sent off at Wolves. Now lose him for three important games.

Baldock 7.5/10 – Our main attacking threat first half. He got down the right and put in several good balls or made lots of surging runs evidencing his pace. Faced a tricky customer coming at him the other way but stuck to it. Second he had a few late runs near the end but final ball lacked. Another good showing displaying his fitness and play at both ends.

Stevens 5.5/10 – Our weakest defender by some way. Got beat too much for pace and skill and also let players drift inside too easily. Does not get tight enough to his man. Going forward was better than his defending but his final cross/touch not always there although put a few decent ones in first half. Still irritates me that he does not trust his right foot at all even for simple control. He stands out as one of weaker players at the moment.

Stearman 8/10 – Close to Man of the Match. Thought he was very good. Swept up and won key headers, blocks and tackles. He has been very consistent. Good with the ball too

O’Connell 8/10 – As above. He was very good. The defence were put under pressure early but they stood firm. He made a few crunching tackles and got forward when he could. Looks a top player at the moment.

Basham 8/10 – May seem a bit high as he gave away a few daft free kicks and his header was not great on the goal but he was superb in everything else. Only one who looked arsed when the game started but as the game went on and others grew he remained a collossus. Won so many loose bslls and his will to win today was something else. Huge desire. His stuff with the ball was also fine too. Scored a deflected shot and had another effort saved too. Seemed everywhere at times.

Lundstram 5/10 – Not in the game really and he gave it away constantly. He seemed slow to react to stuff and looked off the pace. Improved a bit as the half went on and played few decent balls but I was not surprised when he was hooked.

Leonard 6.5/10 – Did ok. Nothing spectacular but after an iffy start he broke things up and also set us on the attack a few times. He is a bit slow and lacks mobility which seems a trait of all 3 of the new midfielders. He did do ok though today before being sacrificed when Blackman was sent off.

Fleck 8/10 – Started game a bit sluggish but got better. Ended up being a key man. Several driving runs and surges into the heart of Brentford territory. Couple of lovely pieces of skill including one but meg. He nearly scored towards the end after another good run. When he drives at teams we are so much better. I have raved about Woods myself this season but he looked the better player today.

Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and held ball up well but missed two sitters and ultimately as a striker you are judged on this. Felt he tried more than Clarke but he will be kicking himself for the misses tonight.

Clarke 5/10 – Thought it was a lazy, languid selfish performance. Did not work hard enough for the team and never won his battle. Was more bothered about scrapping after the ball had gone. His hold up was poor and his touch erratic. He did then show superb skill at the end when he beat too men and was denied – a chance he made out of nothing. Not scored for 3 months and won't until he works harder.

Subs

Evans 7/10 – We were much better when he came on. We won more of the midfield and kept it better. Steady performance and helped us control the final half hour.

Donaldson 6.5/10 – Odd I give him higher than the other two when he also missed two clear chances but he looked a threat. Ball stuck to him, he won fouls and ran the channels. Just did not take those chances but he did cause problems.

Moore – Surprisingly little to do but take a few routine balls.

Ref / Officials- Mentioned the red cards above. Could have used common sense. He was one of the poorer people on the pitch and wanted too much involvement in what was a good game. Gave some poor decisions both way. Was incredibly fussy. Him and his assistants did not want to give any throws or corners/goal kicks and just looked at each other. Someone has to take responsibility.

Crowd/Fans – No day out really in the drinking sense as took my lad so a more sober quiet day. Had a few pints in the Griffin was it really. Got to ground and was already soaked and this abated the atmosphere. Both sets of fans quiet. Do like Griffin Park but the facilities leave a lot to be desired (ticket office, club shop, toilets in the group). However friendly pubs round the ground and always a decent crack with the approachable home fans; it will be missed when it goes.

Only other point of note is I may have cracked my ground to centre of London record. Discounting Arsenal; for the grounds on the outskirts I have done well to get back quick from a few. Today though a sprint through the rain up to South Ealing and an immediate tube saw us back at Leicester Square meeting the wife by 5.38pm. Game had not finished till just before 5. So what? Well I was pleased to be having Pizza and beer by 6pm!

[bulmer1889]

Another comprehensive report DB don't think there's a blade on the planet that doesn't know what we need to progress,unfortunately a couple of these will cost more than the rest of the squad put together

[costablade]

Good report DB, I agree with most of that. A bit harsh on Lundstram and Leonard I think, they were there in a more defensive line up I thought and both did there job well, Lundstram looks a solid player to me and Leonard is young enough to improve.
These two seem to divide opinion in the way that "Monty" used to but in the team to do a job and i thought yesterday both did their job well. Leon is the same, he is there to score goals which he isn't doing so needs to be replaced in the summer, but he does harass defenders and keeps them busy, we haven't got an alternative at the mo' that can do what he does so for me he has to play, Billy doesn't do as much work for me but he is our only goal threat, and that is minimal.

Anyway it was a good performance we should have taken all three points and done our goal difference a power of good so a missed opportunity.

Thanks for your reports always a good read, roll on Monday, what a game that promises to be.

UTB

[GuancheBlade]

Thought the back three + Baldock were immense. JOC especially, easily see his desire to perform against his former club.

Why does Lundstram have such a stiffy for playing suicide balls back to the defence/keeper??

[GrayBlade]

Cheers DB

I thought Evans grew into the game and showed he has good pace and passing range at times. Could be an asset in the last few games.

I didn’t think Clarke was that bad especially in his link play, I just think he’s devoid of confidence in front of goal. We need a goal to go in off his backside on Monday and it could really boost his and the team’s prospects.