Brentford fought back famously to put the arch enemy, Fulham, to the sword at Griffin Park on Saturday – it was a memorable clash that had Griffin Park rocking at the final whistle thanks to goals from Sergi Canos, Romaine Sawyers and Ollie Watkins.

Two good footballing sides went toe-to-toe in a hugely entertaining game in which the Cottagers demonstrated some quality moments, especially in the first half. But after taking the lead, through Neeskens Kebano (some sort of Dutch Sausage we understand), where the Bees defence was caught rather flat-footed, the Reds woke up and upped their game to devastating affect.

Sergi Canos’ equalizer saw him cut in from the wing, jink inside a defender, then shoot past David Button – a goal that gave the home side, and fans, genuine belief that a win was on the cards despite Lasse Vibe limping off and Romaine Sawyers having to stand in up front.

Fulham arguably edged the first period, but there was certainly no contesting who bossed the second half of the match – classy Brentford taught the visitors a lesson in passing football – a demonstration that must really make their fans sit up and take notice.

Before the game so many Cottagers were confident that it was their team who “would teach any side that tried to play us at football a lesson”, however, Brentford once again underlined their credentials as one, if not the, playing sides in the Championship.

Brentford enjoyed a rare slice of fortune when, after some great build-up, the ball rebounded off the post and fell invitingly for Sawyers who lashed the ball home with the outside of his boot to lift the lid off of Griffin Park… cheers that had only just died down when Fulham’s Denis Odoi was shown the red card for his persistent fouling.

Ten-man Fulham continued to offer a threat on the break but, in truth, Brentford could have racked up far more goals than the three – that being said Ollie Watkins’ clincher with five minutes to go was worth the admission fee alone – the former Exeter striker capping an excellent game by ghosting in at the far post to tap home – what a move, what a win.

There are two videos to watch this week, one from Brentford-fan perspective, the other chronicles the match from the Fulham end, and we suggest you watch them both… the endings are in stark contrast and capture the extremes of being a football fan perfectly – and how the local derby is such a brilliant park of the calendar. Also listen to the Pride of West London Beesotted post-match podcast to hear the fans’ reaction from the match.

If it hadn’t have been for the two goals in injury time at Loftus Road last week, Saturday would have capped a stunning local double-header, but four points from the two matches is certainly far from a disaster, and the Bees can head north to managerless Hull City next weekend in solid form and confident they can continue where they left off against Fulham.

Bees Up, Fulham Down!

Dave Lane
@beesotted100

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