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As this Championship campaign kicked off back in August, all worldly Bees would have felt excitement and nervous in fairly equal measure – knowing that the season ahead would undoubtedly see mixed results along the way – but hoping that the Bees would have enough quality and fight about them to come up trumps and flourish at the higher level. And yesterday’s marvellous win over table-topping Derby had all of those mixed emotions wrapped up in one, delicious, 95 minute football pie.

Toumani and Jon Toral came into the starting lineup, with Moses dropping back to right back in place of the injured Alan McCormack… all three had excellent games and underlining there really is strength in depth in midfield and at the back.

But, for the first 20 minutes of this encounter, it appeared that the two sides had agreed not to use the Ealing Road end of the pitch, as Derby were camped in the Bees’ half… Whether it was a case of showing too much respect, or Derby’s superiority, who knows, but bit by bit, and after some resolute defending, Brentford started to play their stuff and created several chances on the break … Before they were mugged on the counter and punished by Scottish international footballer, and World Class moaner, Chris Martin’s clinical cross-shot from Forsyth’s cross.

At that stage the feeling of dĂ©jĂ  vu hung over Griffin Park as large and as bright as the setting sun that had Ealing Roaders squinting and half-covering their eyes. Brentford hadn’t played badly, yet found themselves a goal down, and with a rather large mountain to climb – Warbs obviously had ropes, crampons and ordinance survey maps waiting in the dressing room.

The Bees came out of the traps fired up for the second period and there was some truly inspirational play by Jota, who seemed central to everything for a 15-20 minute period during which he showed exactly what an outstanding signing he’s been – but we still needed a goal and quick.

Thankfully, that duly arrived thanks to a stunning strike by Andre Gray. But the assist from Moses Odubajo came at the end of a dynamic, driving run, capped by the perfect through ball – Gray slamming the ball past Butland into the top right hand corner… A quality finish.

Confidence then flowed through Bees veins both on and off the pitch… Yes, we could outplay the Rams, yes we could score (no we couldn’t shut up whinge bag Martin)… But could we go on and win the game? Or would Mark Warburton and the lads try and shut up shop and settle for a valuable point? Settle for a point? Don’t be daft!

Most Bees in the ground thought that Gray’s header had given us that lead, but the post had other ideas … his header rebounding off the inside of the post and out .. and somehow Derby managed to clear the ball away. The let-off promoted a spell of Derby pressure and upped the nerve levels, especially whenever Liverpool loanee Jordon Ibe (who we looked at getting last Xmas .. but settled for Alan Judge instead) was given the ball… Jeez he’s quick! His pace even had Moses blowing for air trying to keep up. Ibe also forced Button into a good save that, although slightly fumbled, really saved the day.

Nick Proschewitz came on for Gray, whilst our two Amigos made way for Dallas and Pritchard… Three attacking substitutions at a time when other managers would have been itching to drag all eleven men behind the ball and hang on for grim death. I love this ethos… We’ve waited decades for a team like this… if we lose, we’ll lose trying to win… There’s no apologies made for that… We’ll attack anyone and everyone… Let’s have it!

Gobby Martin appeared to have felled Tony Craig off the ball. But the incident obviously wasn’t seen by the officials well enough as he was only shown a yellow. Then again, Big Nick seemed rather fortunate only to get booked for dangling his elbow into the head of his marker in injury time… But the real drama was about to unfold… action that was to send Griffin Park absolutely mental.

With Mark Warburton urging his players on from the sidelines, Moses set off on another of his devastating runs. And once again, he produced the right pass, at the right time, to the right man… Stuart Dallas (who we’ve missed more than most are aware) curling home a goal that will live in peoples memories for decades… Our proud old ground erupted… What a goal… What a come back… What a win.

The second half performance was all that we could have hoped for. And the Derby fans we spoke to after the match in our post match video were more than a little stunned by what they’d witnessed from Brentford. We showed we’re more than plucky wannabes – that with our tails up we are a force for the best in this division to reckon with.

Let’s hope we can emulate that again up in Nottingham on Wednesday evening. Be there if you can.

Dave Lane

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