Brentford and Rotherham increase the gap over Orient
Russell Slade appeared to concede defeat to Brentford and Rotherham United in the race for automatic promotion after Leyton Orient’s frustrating 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane on the weekend.
Speaking to london24.com, he admitted “automatic promotion is going to be difficult for us now”.
After their comfortable 3-1 win against Notts County at Griffin Park on Saturday, the Bees’ main rivals now switched to the in-form Rotherham after Tom Hitchcock’s hat-trick helped the Millers come from 3-2 down at Gillingham to grab a 4-3 last minute triumph.
Rotherham now lie in third place, six points behind the Bees with six games remaining. Both teams fulfil their game in hand this week, with Brentford’s home game against Crawley being a huge opportunity to maintain or even increase the gap with the Millers who face a tricky trip to Sheffield United.
Warburton urges caution
For the next two games, the Bees Manager will be fretting over the discipline of defensive duo James Tarkowski and Harlee Dean, both of whom are one yellow card away from picking up two match bans.
With Tarkowski, Dean and Tony Craig each competing for two central defensive spots, Warburton is likely to take the opportunity to rotate the two players for the next two games against Crawley at home and Swindon away.
London24.com reported that Warburton was left irked with the situation, calling Dean’s booking against Notts County “frustrating” and “cheap”.
Midfield maestro George Saville is also on 9 yellows whereas McCormack is on 8.
Bees duo in contention for Ireland squad
Republic of Ireland Manager Martin O’Neill was at Griffin Park on Saturday to run the rule over Irish Bees Alan Judge and Jonathan Douglas.
Judge’s brace helped sink Notts County. But according to getwestlondon.co.uk, the Blackburn loanee knew of O’Neill’s presence but was keen to focus on Brentford’s promotion push.
Douglas hasn’t been in international contention for seven years now, but the prospect of playing in the Championship next season would no doubt boost his hopes.
Jake Shoolheifer
@jakeshoolheifer
