In the build up to Wembley, Beesotted are pleased to publish a preview of the League One Playoff Final from Brentford fan Josh Bartlett:
This Sunday will see Brentford play Yeovil in the League One play-off final . Who would have expected that at the start of the season?
Both teams have performed exceptionally well to get this far but now only one can make it to the Championship. By 5pm on Sunday evening, one of these two ‘smaller’ teams will be one division away from the Premier League, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Norwich and Southampton in making the grade in the top flight.
Brentford’s manager Uwe Rosler was himself a top flight legend with Manchester City legend – he played over 150 games for them, which saw him score 50 goals including one stand-out strike at Old Trafford which was entered into the “Hall of Fame” in 2009. Now Rosler’s young and talented Brentford side have the chance, at Wembley, to create some history of their own.
The Bees have been in Play-Offs several times before but have never been able to progress. This year it seems different. Griffin Park has felt awash with optimism and I personally think this is the best Brentford side in a very long time. As a manager Rosler is extremely well organised – he knows what he wants and he knows how to get it.
Brentford’s danger men obviously include top scorer Clayton Donaldson who has 22 league goals this term, including the two he got in the Play-Off semi-final against Swindon a week ago. Mercurial midfielder Harry Forrester is also capable of winning a game on his own and has been reportedly watched by a number of higher opposition teams. Harry has been a star this season contributing to 20 goals this season with 11 goals and 9 assists. Loanees Bradley Wright-Phillips and Marcello Trotta also carry a potent goal threat.
Trotta famously missed the 94th minute penalty vs Doncaster that would have sent The Bees into the Championship without having to go through the drama off the Play-Offs. Kevin O’Connor, Brentford’s club captain and regular penalty taker was also on the pitch, but Trotta reportedly went against the managers and captains instructions and insisted he would take the spot kick which he smashed against the bar. The players fell to the floor in disappointment in tears not even caring the ball was still in play. It took just 17 cruel seconds for Doncaster to run the length of the pitch and score.
For Trotta there has already been some measure of reprieve. He produced against Swindon at home an hour of football packed with intent and commitment that saw him leave the field to an ovation from the stands. He will know he has to do the same again at Wembley if given the chance.
Not many teams could come back from the Doncaster heartbreak, but this team have shown determination, character and a never-say-die attitude throughout a season punctuated with dramatic late goals.
It has taken guts from the players and the fans can’t thank them enough for this marvellous season. What a way for it all to end – with a final at Wembley
Our opponents are Yeovil Town, who have played above all expectations this year by finishing in 4th place, with not only a very low wage budget but also comparatively low attendances (average attendance at Huish Park this season has been around 4000 including away support).
Yeovil boast the top scorer in League One in the livewire Paddy Madden who has 23 league goals. Madden scored against The Bees in February when Yeovil completed a 3-0 home victory. Town also scored three at Griffin Park in a 3-1 win, although this match did feature a notable turning point in a missed Paul Hayes penalty.
So Yeovil have so far had the far better of the two teams, but at Wembley, anything can happen. Ed Upson has been labelled “the best midfielder in the League” by MK Dons’ manager, Karl Robinson. He has contributed to 19 goals in all competitions so far, including one great strike against Brentford in Yeovil’s 3-0 win. Brentford, of course, boast their own young starlet in Adam Forshaw who has put in some magnificent performances this year. Midfield could be an interesting battle ground at the weekend.
For now, both sets of fans have to wait until Sunday when their teams take centre stage for the final time this season. It’ll be up to the managers, coaches and the players to see who has that last bit of energy in their legs to push their teams over the line and into the league above.
With the prize of Championship football on offer there is one question left to ask and it WILL be answered on Sunday. Who will make the grade, Brentford or Yeovil?
Josh Bartlett (@JoshBartlett23) / Beesotted
