Brentford fans made the long journey back from Burnley on the same train as the players, and although there was hopefully a little less ale consumed up in the posh seats, I hope it was a similar time of deep reflection. The mode of transport may have been first class, the performance certainly wasn’t.
The Bees had started the game brightly and, after some early pressure from Burnley, looked the most adventurous team – but a goal against the run of play from the hosts seemed to take the wind out of our sails.
Conceding goals from corners in successive away matches, thanks to slack marking, is concerning. Burnley didn’t really threaten Button’s goal overly… And, in truth, the game had ‘drab goalless draw’ written all over it, so to lose was annoying.
Admittedly, the game itself had been overshadowed by the sale of Andre Gray on the eve of the clash, and although Bees fans sang about ‘a lottery win’ and ‘£9m quid, you’re having a laugh’ the lack of a potent striker, now Gray has left for pastures new, is not quite a laughing matter.
As you will see and hear from the Beesotted video (above) and post match Podcast (below), fans are aware that transfer activity is essential to bolster the team before the transfer deadline, or in the loan window that continues afterwards.
There were some plus points despite the defeat however, the introduction of Maxime Colin was a real boost to morale, the right-back looked excellent – composed in defence and skilful coming forward – Vibe also showed some good touches … And at the back, apart from one lapse, we looked pretty solid.
The noisy reception afforded to the Bees team as they boarded their coach back at London Euston showed that the a sizeable majority of fans are behind this team, but those who are a little less satisfied with how things are shaping up so far this term, or with short memories about how our club has been transformed, will hope that the new week will see some new faces arriving.
It’s going to be another fascinating week at Brentford before Reading are due to visit and test out our new pitch… If it’s ready!
Dave Lane