Brentford display their promotion credentials with a late winner

At first glance many would think “It’s another straight forward win”. It was anything but as Brentford salvaged their hopes of getting automatic promotion with two late goals, having trailed for the majority of the game.

For a while it seemed like it was going to be one of those frustrating days where nothing goes right. But to the disappointment of West Brom and Leeds fans the Bees displayed a different side to them as they dug deep to secure a vital win against opponents fighting to stay in the league.

Both teams made three changes from their previous games at the weekend. Brentford brought in Mars Roserlev, Mathias Jensen and Josh Dasilva whereas Charlton reintroduced Jonny Williams, Jake-Forster Caskey and Alfie Doughty.

From the first minute Charlton looked like they were up for it, getting in the faces of their opponents as they came out on top at almost every aerial duel. The Addicks sent shock waves around the ground, and the division, after just eight minutes.

Doughty’s deep cross was headed across the goal by Caskey for Macauley Bonne to bundle home his ninth goal of the season. The manner in which the home side conceded the goal came at a surprise. Having not conceded a single goal since the resumption of football, they remained static throughout the move for the goal.

The visitors looked to have their backs against the wall, but they almost doubled their lead minutes later. Jason Pearce struck the woodwork from a corner which had also hit the crossbar.

The hosts looked for inspiration from the tricky Said Benrahma in the quest to find the equaliser, but the Algerian had no luck penetrating through a stubborn Charlton defence who limited him and his team mates to long range efforts in the first half.

The second half started as the first ended. Charlton defended very deep but looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Benrahma, who oozed Premier League class, was given a free role by manager Thomas Frank. He was present in almost every attacking position as Brentford pushed for the equaliser. Around the hour mark he went close with his two efforts going over the bar.

Thomas Frank brought out the tactics board during the second water break. “How is this a drink break? its breaking the rules” read a tweet by a frustrated Leeds fan.

After a flurry of attacks, Brentford finally got their big break. Just fifteen minutes from time, Benrahma won a penalty after he was brought down in the box by Josh Cullen. The Algerian sent Dillon Phillips the wrong way, and bagged his 15th goal of the season.

The Bess were relentless in their search for the winning goal, Charlton struggled to even get out of their own half. The ever present Dasilva struck the bar with a wonderful curling effort six minutes from time, but just a minute later it was his cross that was headed into the net by Ethan Pinnock. Lee Bowyer’s body language portrayed a broken man as his head dropped.

The final whistle was met by loud cheers from Brentford Owner Matthew Benham and other board members who were aware of the significance of the result. The Brentford players showed their appreciation as they came over to clap.

Brentford’s Premier League dreams remain intact and now sit just two points behind West Brom who are in action this evening. On the other hand, Charlton could be in deep trouble. The defeat leaves them in 20th, just two points above the relegation zone having played a game extra.

 

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt