SHEFFIELD United ended up with a sting from the Bees at Griffin Park.
“OUR toughest test of the season so far.”
That was how United manager Danny Wilson had described the game against a Brentford team he believes are dark horses for promotion.
So, while it is still far too early to speak of ‘six point fixtures’ or ‘must-win games,’ Wilson knew the final result here would be viewed as significant whatever the outcome.
United were facing an uphill struggle after only four minutes when Brentford blazed into the lead.
DONALDSON was responsible for applying the finish which - which left a horribly exposed Long rooted to the spot - from Diagouraga’s centre.
But Kiernan was the real architect of the move having first split United’s rearguard with a delightful pass.
With influential figures such as Hill and McMahon returning from injury, United had entered this fixture in a positive frame of mind.
Nevertheless, they were nearly prised open again soon after Donaldson’s opener but Collins intervened.
Miller responded with a lovely first time flick of his own which nearly sent Blackman through before drawing an excellent save from Moore.
After half-an-hour, though, FORRESTER made no mistake with another rasping effort from range.
Brentford’s most dangerous player, his driving run and shot prompted an exchange of views between Blackman and McMahon while Wilson, watching the drama unfold through incessant rain, simply shook his head and turned away.
Collins nearly reduced the deficit from McMahon’s set-piece
As the full-time whistle approached, so United’s grip tightened with Bidwell producing a wonderful tackle as Miller primed to shoot and Maguire having a header clawed away to safety despite their appeals it had crossed the line.McDonald was cautioned for protesting soon after and Flynn started to pepper Brentford’s box with crossed. Blackman’s claim for a penalty when he tangled with Craig was waved away.
Comments