Brentford succumbed to a last minute Watford sucker punch at Griffin Park on Tuesday evening in a game that was marred by the contentious dismissal of Jake Bidwell by Keith Stroud – replays confirm that it was a hugely harsh decision – one that ultimately cost Brentford a share of the points.
Set against a backdrop of rumour and confusion, the Bees faithful gave Mark Warburton and his players a rousing welcome to the pitch, and although they weren’t quite at the finest in the first half, there was certainly little evidence that a day of rumour had affected them too adversely.
Watford are a strong outfit and the Bees were stretched at the back several times early on, but for our part, we were giving as good as we got – but the sending off was undoubtedly the turning point. I know referees only have a split second to make up their minds, but Stroud has history against the Bees, and the red card was flashed way too readily. There is talk about it being rescinded, but we shall see.
Down to ten men, and up against one of the best sides in the division, is not a great position to be in, however, the Bees dug deep and went more direct. Andre Grey had a couple of sniffs while chasing long balls over the top, before smashing the home side in front and sending Griffin Park potty – the Bees marksman rifling into the top corner from a tight angle after out muscling his marker.
Seeing the entire Bees team heading straight over to mob Mark Warburton tells a very powerful story – and the love for Warbs from the terraces was evident all evening. Our manager is hugely respected, and although there were plenty of songs hailing Matthew Benham, I think it would be fair to say that most fans wish all this talk of changing manager would just go away. Unfortunately that looks as likely as me buying a Fulham season ticket.
Watford were handed a guilt edged chance to get straight back on equal terms when Jonathan Douglas was adjudged to have handled in the area – no Watford players appealed and it looked another shocking decision… Fortunately the impressive Troy Deeney shot weakly at Button, who saved the day on several other occasions on the night, before the final late twist.
With tired legs, and against a barrage of Watford attacks, it was unlikely the Bees would hold out – but two late goals were hard to stomach. The first was a header at the neat post, the second a fine volley at the back stick as Watford stretched tired legs and minds. It was a shitty end to a pretty shitty day at Griffin Park.
The players and the manger did the club proud under very testing circumstances however, and no matter what shenanigans happen off the pitch between now and the Charlton match, it would appear everyone is focussed on the job in hand still and the Bees stand every chance of winning at The Valley.
Dave Lane
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Interesting to note that the Watford player whose leg appeared to have been broken in three places by Bidwill’s tackle was ready to be waived back on when the resultant free kick was being taken & has since played the full 90 minutes in Watford’s win at Bolton. On the other hand Tarkowski succumbed
to an injury had to go off & missed the next game. Whist Mark W’s assessment of it being accidental was probably correct I never the less feel that had the attempted kick of the ball been on the halfway line not in the Bees box it may well have earned a yellow card