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Brentford and Brighton served up an entertaining, but goalless Boxing Day draw, in front of a full house at Griffin Park.

Nico Yennaris came in for Maxime Colin, who missed the game because of a groin concern, and enjoyed a very solid game at right back, but it was Alan Judge who once again caught the eye in a high energy performance that underlined just how valuable he is to our team.

The Bees played arguably the more attractive football all afternoon, however, Brighton showed exactly why they have been around the top of the division all season – they are well organised, dangerous on the break, and can play a bit themselves. In fact, two very similar sides on the day, so a draw was no real shock in a game of few clear cut chances.

The Bees will feel slightly frustrated that all their inventive approach play and patient passing didn’t see them carve out more ‘through on goal’ opportunities, but we more than matched a genuine promotion contender in The Seagulls and that should boost confidence levels ahead of two tricky away games.

And if Philipp Hofmann had directed his injury time header into the corner instead of straight at the ‘keeper, we would have been celebrating another famous win back in the pub after the match… You can listen to the Beesotted Pride of West London podcast by clicking the link below.

Brighton had their chances though, and a couple of skied efforts let us off at vital times in the second half, but over all, The Bees back four coped impressively against a very big Brighton threat – Tarki and Dean were both on top of their games, while Jake Bidwell put in a real shift on the left.

Reading, who were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at Wolves, host the Bees on Bank Holiday Monday, where the travelling fans will be hoping of a repeat of last season’s win.

Dave Lane