It was all change for Brentford at Roots Hall on Tuesday evening with Dean Smith making eleven changes for the Carabao Cup clash – the visitors eventually showing that they were too strong for Southend United after they’d settled into the match.
The 500-plus visiting fans were delighted to see the return of Ryan Woods to the starting line-up, along with fans-favourite Alan Judge, and both enjoyed an impressive ninety minute run out, however, their performances were overshadowed by the excellent Said Benrahma who underlined what a cracking player the Bees have signed over the summer.
Marcus Forss is another player who seized the chance to impress, and capped a solid game with a great strike to give the Bees the lead just before half time – big things are expected from the young Finn, so a full debut goal was just what the doctor ordered.
With 60% of the possession and racking up 25 shots, it should be no surprise that The Bees won this encounter, but to their credit, Chris Powell’s Southend never gave up, and every time they looked overwhelmed they dug deep and played some really nice football in phases.
Theo Robinson’s equaliser, a deflected looping header, came after a great run down the right, and McCoulsky’s crackerjack 25-yarder later in the game were no more than the Shrimpers deserved, and there was a stage at 3-2 where it felt the home side were pushing to take the match to penalties.
Ultimately, Brentford’s extra quality showed, with well worked goals from Jeanvier, Benrahma and Mokotjo easing their side through to the second round, ahead of Thursday evening’s draw, but the most encouraging aspect, as you will hear from the fans’ comments in the Beesotted Pride of West London post-match podcast, was that Brentford’s second string is anything but second rate.
So often in recent years Bees fans have seen League Cup mishaps after wholesale changes, but not with this squad. Brentford are stronger than ever, with genuine depth, which really does bode well for the season ahead.
Dave Lane
@beesotted100
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