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Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-2 BURY
Sat 3 Sep - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford's winning run was ended by struggling Bury thanks to a late goal at Griffin Park.
The Bees were hot favourites going into the sixth game of the season as the early pace-setters in League One but endured a frustrating afternoon. The visitors sat at the foot of the table after five consecutive defeats, still without a goal since their return to the third tier for the first time in nine years. The away side fought well and surprised Gianfranco Zola's men by taking the lead in the first half. Clayton Donaldson and Myles Weston put the Bees ahead but Bury claimed a point through Mark Cullen's late strike.
As expected, Brentford were on top for much of the early stages. Mike Grella linked up with Clayton Donaldson to produce a diving save from Cameron Belford and the Bees saw a goal disallowed for a push on Bury defender Mark Hughes after Karleigh Osborne's header was deflected into the back of the net. Despite continued pressure on the Shakers defence, the opening goal arrived against the run of play as veteran centre-back Efe Sodje headed in from Peter Sweeney's free kick.
Donaldson drew the Bees level within six minutes, as Harry Forrester spotted the striker unmarked in the penalty area. He rifled the ball past Belford to score his second goal of the season. Zola's side then saw another goal dubiously ruled out in the second half following a marginal offside call. When Myles Weston nodded in Shaleum Logan's cross with six minutes remaining, Brentford seemed to have stolen the win but Cullen curled home from long range in the eighty-seventh minute to grab an unlikely point for the Shakers.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan (Eger 62), Dickson - Saunders (Weston 79), Douglas, O'Connor, Forrester - Donaldson, Grella (Logan 79).
Taz.
SLIP-UP FRUSTRATES BEES BOSS
Published: 4 September 2011 - By Tom Moore
Gianfranco Zola cursed a series of missed opportunities after Brentford were held to a draw by Bury.
The Bees failed to make their dominance count as their perfect record was ended by Richie Barker's side, who currently sit twenty fourth in League One with just one point. Brentford saw two goals contentiously ruled out but Zola refused to blame referee Mark Clattenburg for the result. The official was booed off by the home support at Griffin Park after the final whistle. Zola's side had nine shots on target to Bury's three efforts but a speculative effort by Mark Cullen earned a draw for the visiting side in the closing stages of the match.
"It was a bad day for us," the forty five year old said. "We were maybe a little unlucky with the goals that were disallowed but we should have made sure that we won the game before that. We've finished off teams well so far this season but I think Bury were more up for it than we were, which is frustrating. Looking at our records, we should have won comfortably. The players were maybe thinking about the winning run, not the quality of the performance, and we took our eyes off the ball."
Brentford remain top of League One after early rivals Chesterfield were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Colchester. The Bees will face the long journey to Carlisle next weekend hoping to maintain their impressive unbeaten record, which has seen Zola's side yet to lose in all competitions. French striker Yassin El Azzouzi is expected to return after missing the previous two games with a dead leg. El Azzouzi is the Bees' top scorer this season with six goals.
Taz.
CARLISLE 1-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 10 Sep - 15:00 - Brunton Park
Brentford made the long trip home from Carlisle disappointed after the Bees let the lead slip.
Yassin El Azzouzi's seventh goal of the season gave the Bees the advantage just after the break after Gianfranco Zola's side dominated the first half against the Cumbrians. Lee Miller equalised from the penalty spot to ensure a second straight game without a win for the League One pacesetters, who were also held to a surprise draw at home to bottom side Bury last weekend. Brentford slip to second in the league after the result, one point behind new leaders Preston.
El Azzouzi has been in prolific form since joining from Bastia in July and the French striker was on the hunt for more goals in the opening stages. He forced Adam Collin into two saves in the first ten minutes after being set up by skipper Jonathan Douglas and Niall McGinn. The Northern Irish winger went on to hit the post in the first half after some good work from Stefan Velev in midfield. Francois Zoko posed the biggest threat for the home side, testing Richard Lee with a low drive just before half time.
The Bees took the lead after forty eight minutes as Darryl Westlake superbly picked out El Azzouzi's run behind the defence. The striker took the ball around Collin and finished calmly. Ten minutes later, Carlisle levelled as Velev was penalised for a foul in the area on substitute Paddy Madden. Lee Miller stepped up and stroked the spot kick past Lee. The introduction of Madden caused problems for Brentford late on and an excellent save from Lee ensured that Zola's side travelled home with a point.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - McGinn, Douglas (O'Connor 61), Velev, Forrester (Weston 79) - Grella (Donaldson 61), El Azzouzi.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Tues 13 Sep - 19:45 - Griffin Park
Brentford returned to winning ways against Sheffield Wednesday thanks to Clayton Donaldson's header.
It was a game of fine margins at Griffin Park and either side could have made a case for all three points. In the end, it was the Bees that went away with a priceless win thanks to goals from Niall McGinn and Donaldson. Jermaine Johnson pulled a goal back for the visitors but Gianfranco Zola's men produced a disciplined defensive display in the second half to ensure that Brentford maintain the pressure on current League One leaders Preston, who remain one point ahead of the Bees.
After captain Jonathan Douglas went close with a long-range effort, McGinn opened the scoring in the twelfth minute. A well-worked passing move found Donaldson on the edge of the box and the striker played an inventive through ball for the on-loan Celtic winger, running down the left-hand channel. The Northern Irish international drilled the ball across Richard O'Donnell from an acute angle to grab his first goal in a Bees shirt. Stefan Velev almost made it two within a matter of minutes only to be denied by a good save.
Brentford's link-up play has looked impressive all season and Zola would have been delighted with a move that almost presented Myles Weston with his first goal of the season following Mike Grella's bustling run and pinpoint pass. Donaldson eventually doubled the Bees' lead six minutes after the break, nodding in from a Douglas free-kick. Johnson punished Darryl Westlake's indecision for the Owls to ramp up the pressure with seventeen minutes remaining but Brentford held firm at the back to ensure victory.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - McGinn (Logan 75), Douglas, Velev (O'Connor 67), Weston - Donaldson, El Azzouzi (Grella 26).
Taz.
BRENTFORD 4-1 PRESTON
Sat 17 Sep - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford claimed a superb victory over early rivals Preston to reclaim top spot in League One.
The two sides have been neck-and-neck in League One so far this season but it was Gianfranco Zola's side that comprehensively outplayed the visitors, handing Preston only their second defeat of the season in a resounding fashion. Goals from Ludovic Gamboa and Karleigh Osborne and a brace from Clayton Donaldson reflected a dominant performance at Griffin Park. Rob Hulse struck a second-half consolation for Phil Brown's side, who relinquish their grasp on top spot.
Gamboa has been an exciting presence on the left wing since arriving from Reims in the summer and the French winger went close twice in the opening stages before breaking the deadlock in the eleventh minute. After a quick break down the pitch, the Frenchman weaved through the Preston defence and drilled the ball in off the post. Donaldson then hammered the ball into the same post ten minutes later. The towering Hulse was the Lilywhites' main threat and Richard Lee produced a fine mid-air save just before half time.
Karleigh Osborne's aerial threat has seen the centre-back amongst the goals already this season and he headed in from Niall McGinn's corner five minutes into the second half. Preston quickly responded through Hulse eight minutes later as the on-loan QPR striker headed in Barry Nicholson's cross. A quickfire double from Donaldson restored the Bees' commanding advantage. The striker first rifled the ball home after Jonathan Douglas picked him out, then grabbed a second within six minutes from Gamboa's low cross.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Douglas, Velev - McGinn (Logan 53), Forrester (O'Connor 62), Gamboa (Weston 73) - Donaldson.
clloyd
Ipswich Knights
Taz.
Taz.
BEES BOSS RELISHES BIG WIN
Published: 20 September 2011 - By Tom Moore
Gianfranco Zola was delighted with his side's performance after Brentford thrashed early rivals Preston.
The Bees claimed an impressive 4-1 win over the Lilywhites at Griffin Park, a result which returns Brentford to the top of the League One table. The typically upbeat Zola had an even bigger smile on his face than usual in his midweek press conference ahead of the Bees' clash with West Ham in the Carling Cup third round. He spoke to journalists about the victory, his hopes for the East vs West cup game and confirmed the arrival of a new striker to take the pressure off the in-form Clayton Donaldson.
"It was an excellent performance," the forty five year old said. "We showed our confidence and I can't see many clubs in this division matching us on that form. We're going into the West Ham game really believing in ourselves. It'll be a good experience to go back, I learned a lot during my time there even though it didn't end particularly well. We've got a bit of competition for a place up front with the new striker joining so hopefully that gives Clayton that extra motivation to keep on scoring."
Fulham striker Marcello Trotta has completed the short trip across West London to join the Bees on loan for three months. The Italian-born youngster has been a regular face in the Cottagers reserve side and Fulham boss Martin Jol was keen for the eighteen year old to gain first-team experience with Zola's men. Brentford lost top scorer Yassin El Azzouzi to a hip injury against Sheffield Wednesday last Tuesday, although Donaldson has stepped into the fold with three goals in the last two games.
Taz.
WEST HAM 4-2 BRENTFORD
Wed 21 Sep - 19:30 - Boleyn Ground
Two late goals finally saw off a dogged Brentford side on Gianfranco Zola's return to West Ham.
The Bees fought back twice to equalise before two goals in the last five minutes ensured Sam Allardyce's side's safe passage to the fourth round of the Carling Cup. A hat-trick from Austrian international Jakob Jantscher finally ended the Bees' brave resistance, with Julien Faubert adding a fourth in stoppage time. Ludovic Gamboa and Clayton Donaldson had twice levelled for Zola's side, who rarely looked out of their depth against a Hammers side containing several players with ample Premier League experience.
Niall McGinn's pace and direct style stood out for the Bees early on and the Northern Irishman forced a good one-on-one save from Robert Green. West Ham went ahead against the run of play after eighteen minutes as Jantscher tucked in Lukas Pauschek's cross at the far post, despite the protests for an offside from Zola and his players. Gamboa was the man to hit back for the Bees. The Frenchman drifted inside to meet Stefan Velev's through ball, mesmerising Pauschek before drilling the ball under the former England goalkeeper.
Jantscher put the Hammers in front eleven minutes into the second half, charging down Darryl Westlake's clearance and blasting the loose ball past Richard Lee. Brentford again mounted a brave recovery and McGinn finally got his goal, rising above George McCartney to nod home Gamboa's cross. The match looked to be heading for extra time but the Bees were cruelly punished with two late goals. Jantscher completed his hat-trick with a low drive from outside the area before Faubert converted from Mark Noble's corner.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake (Logan 64), Eger, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas (Forrester 54), O'Connor - McGinn, Velev (Grella 85), Gamboa - Donaldson.
Dan
Taz.
OLDHAM 0-3 BRENTFORD
Sat 24 Sep - 15:00 - Boundary Park
Oldham were no match for Brentford as the Bees continued their unbeaten start to the season.
Gianfranco Zola's side have cruised to the summit of the League One table with an impressive eight victories from the opening ten games and the Bees tightened their grip on top spot with a routine win against the Latics. Strikes from Karleigh Osborne, Harry Forrester and skipper Kevin O'Connor ensured that Brentford returned from Boundary Park with another three points. Zola handed a debut to on-loan striker Marcello Trotta alongside Clayton Donaldson as he opted for two up front for the first time this season.
Despite a two hundred-mile journey to Greater Manchester, the visiting Bees began the game imperiously and Osborne notched the opening goal after just nine minutes of play. The centre-back beat Zander Diamond in the air to meet Stefan Velev's corner with a powerful header. Trotta almost immediately doubled the lead after robbing Nathan Clarke and sprinting clear but the debutant was left disappointed as his weak shot was held comfortably by Oldham goalkeeper Trevor Carson.
Shefki Kuqi produced the save of the match from Richard Lee just before the break but Brentford raised their game considerably in the second half and killed off the game in the final ten minutes to Zola's delight. The diminutive Forrester was left unmarked at the far post to nod Ludovic Gamboa's corner past Carson and claim his first goal in a Bees shirt. Diamond's needless handball from Gamboa's cross then presented captain Kevin O'Connor with the chance to rifle home a penalty with four minutes left on the clock.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson (Logan 69) - McGinn (Forrester 23), Douglas, Velev, Gamboa - Donaldson (O'Connor 77), Trotta.
Taz.
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Taz.
HARTLEPOOL 2-3 BRENTFORD
Sat 01 Oct - 15:00 - Victoria Park
Brentford extended their unbeaten run to eleven games after a thrilling first-half display at Hartlepool.
The Bees looked to be on their way to another comfortable win following two goals in the opening fourteen minutes from Niall McGinn and Mike Grella. Hartlepool have endured a stuttering start to the season but the hosts rallied well and pegged back Gianfranco Zola's side, eventually equalising thanks to a Colin Nish brace. Clayton Donaldson struck home from the spot in first half stoppage time and Zola's men defended stoutly after the break to capture the win in a pulsating game.
Brentford have scored several early goals this season and the quickest of them all got us off to a terrific start. A mere fifty seconds had passed when McGinn broke the deadlock. Stefan Velev curled in a superb cross for the Northern Irishman to nod past Pools goalkeeper Scott Flinders. The hosts demonstrated some of their resilience moments later as Nish's header bounced off the crossbar. However, Grella soon doubled the lead as Velev set up a superb break for the American to slot the ball home.
Nish proved a thorn in the Bees' side throughout the game and the striker pulled one back in the twenty ninth minute. Gary Liddle spotted Nish free in the box and the Scot punished some slack defending with a low finish. Zola's side didn't learn their lesson and Nish grabbed the equaliser thirteen minutes later. Liddle again picked out a big gap in the Bees backline and Nish raced through to drill past Richard Lee. The Brentford boss looked irate on the touchline but the game was soon to swing the other way once more.
A swift counter-attack found Donaldson free in the area, only for the in-form striker to be brought crashing down by a clumsy challenge from Hartlepool centre-back Peter Hartley. Donaldson rose to take the penalty, smashing the ball into the bottom corner. Zola's side discovered some much-needed defensive solidity in the second half and Lee made a brilliant save from Ritchie Humphrey's long-range drive to ensure a second consecutive league win.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake (Logan 66), Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - McGinn (Forrester 75), Douglas, Velev, Gamboa (Diagouraga 45) - Donaldson, Grella.
Taz.
Zola refuses to get carried away
Posted by @Beesotted on Oct 2, 2011 in Articles
Gianfranco Zola has called on Brentford not to let complacency affect their good form.
Zola's men captured a ninth victory in eleven league games in a 3-2 thriller against Hartlepool yesterday afternoon but the Italian insisted that he was not thinking about the five-point cushion that the Bees have established over third-placed Chesterfield. Brentford remain unbeaten in League One, the only remaining team in the entire Football League to be without a defeat, but Zola was clearly irritated with his side's defending at Victoria Park and refused to get carried away when speaking to BBC Radio London post-match.
"I can't fault our attacking play but we can't afford to lose our heads," the forty five year old admitted. "There have certainly been games where we have looked a little sloppy and made simple mistakes. We can't think about the table right now. There have been plenty of sides over the years that have been in a very good position, like we are now, and got over-confident and slipped up. We will look at the errors that were made and try to work on them before the Colchester game on Tuesday."
Few could blame Zola for his frustration with the Bees defending as they were frequently caught out by Hartlepool's veteran striker Colin Nish. Brentford have performed with all of the boss' attacking expertise from his playing days but goalfests against Exeter, Millwall, West Ham and now Pools have played havoc with fans' blood pressure this season, despite lying firmly in the automatic promotion places. Zola's side will take on Colchester in the second round of the Football League Trophy in midweek.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 1-1 COLCHESTER (4-2 PENS)
Tues 04 Oct - 19:45 - Griffin Park
Ten-man Brentford scraped through to the third round of the Football League Trophy on penalties.
The Bees were well under-par against a Colchester side that Gianfranco Zola's men had beaten 4-0 in their last meeting in August. Ashley Vincent's goal looked to have sent the visitors through but Clayton Donaldson's late equaliser forced a penalty shootout. Zola's side held their nerve from the spot, scoring all four penalties to clinch a place in the third round. Brentford had been reduced to ten men in the first half after Marcello Trotta was sent off on only his second appearance for the club.
Many expected another comfortable victory for the Bees and we started the game promisingly, forcing U's goalkeeper Ben Williams into several fine saves. Donaldson had the best chance of the first half for Brentford, breaking into the area only to find Williams equal to his powerful shot. Vincent grabbed the opening goal in the thirty eighth minute. Steven Gillespie cut the ball back across the box for the winger, who drilled the ball firmly past Richard Lee. Two needless dives in the space of three minutes then saw Trotta handed a red card.
The dangerous Vincent could have ended the game in the second half but Lee made a fantastic mid-air save. With eight minutes left, Donaldson finally levelled by turning Sam Saunders' cross past Williams, meaning penalties. Zola's side rediscovered their attacking prowess from the spot and dispatched all four penalties. Lee swatted away a weak effort from Gillespie and Vincent blazed his spot kick over the crossbar, leaving Shaleum Logan to fire home the winner to a large sigh of relief for the majority of the 1,700-strong crowd.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Logan, Eger, Trevisan, Woodman - Saunders, Douglas, Diagouraga (Velev 59), Weston (McGinn 45, Forrester 66) - Donaldson, Trotta
Dan
Ipswich Knights
Taz.
BRENTFORD 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH
Sat 08 Oct - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Harry Forrester's winner was enough for Brentford to see off ten-man Bournemouth.
The visitors were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes at Griffin Park but the Bees struggled to break down Bournemouth's packed defence until Forrester scored his fourth goal of the season on the half hour mark. Gianfranco Zola's side restricted the away side to just one shot on target as the Bees claimed a tenth victory from their opening twelve matches in League One. Nearest rivals Preston's 1-1 draw with MK Dons means that Brentford extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.
A miserable afternoon looked to be ahead for the Cherries after Stephen Purches was sent off for a professional foul on Ludovic Gamboa in the opening ten minutes but to their credit, the visitors' compact backline looked difficult to break down. The Bees finally found a way through the Bournemouth defence in the twenty seventh minute as Jonathan Douglas' strike was spilled by goalkeeper Shwan Jalal. Forrester reacted quickest to slam the loose ball into the back of the net and score the game's only goal.
The tricky winger then went close in the second half with a speculative volley from Adam Barrett's clearance, only to see his shot ripple the side netting. Jalal was eager to redeem himself and the Bournemouth goalkeeper did well to prevent any further embarrassment, making two excellent late saves as Zola's men sensed the opportunity for another rout. He parried away Shaleum Logan's powerful drive before touching Brentford centre-back Trevor Trevisan's header onto the crossbar.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Forrester (Logan 85), Douglas (Diagouraga 73), Velev (O'Connor 81), Gamboa - Donaldson, Grella.
Taz.
BEES FACE WYCOMBE CUP CLASH
Published: Sun 09 Oct 2011 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford will play Wycombe in the quarter-finals of the Football League Trophy.
The Bees' reward for edging past Colchester on penalties in the second round of the tournament is a trip to Adams Park to play the Chairboys, who currently sit twelfth in League One. Brentford will be looking to go one better than their run in the competition last season under previous boss Nicky Forster, when the Bees lost 1-0 to Carlisle in the final at Wembley. Wycombe beat Cheltenham on penalties to seal a place in the last eight of the southern section.
Gianfranco Zola's side are yet to face Wycombe in the league this season but the Bees will play Gary Waddock's men twice in the space of a fortnight following the draw, with the first clash coming in the league on 25th October. Brentford currently lie in first place in League One and have already enjoyed a run in the Carling Cup this season, seeing off Cheltenham and Championship side Millwall before narrowly losing to West Ham. Zola's men have also sent Crawley and Colchester packing in the Football League Trophy.
The tie will take place on Tuesday 8th November, with the winner earning a spot in the area semi-finals.
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Taz.
CHARLTON 2-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 15 Oct - 15:00 - The Valley
Brentford suffered a first league defeat of the season despite taking the lead away at Charlton.
Clayton Donaldson's fifth-minute strike looked to have set Gianfranco Zola's side on the way to another convincing victory but the Bees were quickly punished for some lax defending by Danny Green's equaliser. On-loan winger Andros Townsend grabbed the eventual winner with nine minutes remaining, reducing Brentford's lead at the top of the League One table to two points. It was the Bees' first league defeat under Zola, who was frequently frustrated on the touchline at The Valley.
Donaldson's ninth goal of the season arrived after just five minutes as Brentford got off to another bold start. Darryl Westlake's long clearance was miscontrolled by Addicks defender Erik Salkic and the Bees striker punished the Slovenian's error, stealing the ball and slotting it past Ben Hamer. Charlton equalised just six minutes later. Yann Kermorgant spotted a large expanse in the Brentford defence for winger Danny Green to skip into space and drill the ball low underneath the diving Richard Lee.
Harry Forrester and Stefan Velev both had good opportunities but Hamer was up to the challenge and the home goalkeeper did well to beat away both efforts. The dangerous Green was a persistent threat to Zola's side and Lee made an incredible save to keep out his free kick. Velev hit the crossbar after the break but it was the Addicks that captured victory with nine minutes to play. Johnnie Jackson spotted Townsend's darting run into the Bees area and slid through a neat pass for the winger to smash into the back of the net.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas, Diagouraga (O'Connor 64) - Forrester, Velev (Grella 82), Gamboa (Weston 77) - Donaldson.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-1 WALSALL
Sat 15 Oct - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Mike Grella's brace returned Brentford to winning ways against struggling Walsall.
Gianfranco Zola returned to 4-4-2 after the Bees failed to make an impact in front of goal against Charlton last weekend and his side's attacking threat looked far more potent. Grella and Clayton Donaldson enjoyed an effective partnership against the Saddlers, who lie on the brink of the relegation zone after fourteen games in League One. Grella struck once in either half before a late own goal from Richard Lee halved Brentford's lead. The win maintains the Bees' two-point advantage at the top of the table.
Zola's side have scored a number of early goals this season and it was only eight minutes before the Bees were celebrating in slightly bizarre circumstances. Donaldson's cross was deflected onto his own post by Walsall defender Mat Sadler and Grella outpaced Manny Smith to poke home the rebound. The American striker nearly grabbed a second moments later after spotting visiting goalkeeper Jimmy Walker off his line but Grella's audacious chip floated just wide of the post.
Richard Lee twice denied Saddlers winger Jordan Cook after the break, making two smart saves to protect Brentford's lead before Grella doubled the Bees' advantage. Ludovic Gamboa cut inside and clipped a through ball through for the striker, who rifled the ball low past Walker. Lee's rare error handed Walsall a lifeline as the keeper fumbled Maxime Blanchard's cross into his own net but the Bees rode out the final ten minutes to ensure all three points and a return to victory.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Forrester (O'Connor 82), Douglas, Velev, Gamboa (Logan 76) - Donaldson (Saunders 67), Grella.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 1-0 WYCOMBE
Tue 25 Oct - 19:30 - Griffin Park
Ten-man Brentford claimed a slender win against Wycombe thanks to Mike Grella's late strike.
The American striker's eighty-ninth minute goal proved just enough for the Bees, who were outplayed for much of the game by the visitors. Stefan Velev earned his second red card of the season, leaving Gianfranco Zola's side to play the last twenty minutes with ten men. Grella's finish secured a victory that was harsh on Wycombe, who had thirteen shots but failed to hit the target. A slip-up for early promotion rivals Chesterfield means that Brentford now have a four-point lead at the top of League One.
Zola has preached the importance of a solid defence in recent weeks but the Bees boss saw his side under threat numerous times against the Chairboys, who created several good chances in the first half. Joel Grant fired narrowly wide in the ninth minute and Zola was left relieved on the touchline after Gareth Ainsworth robbed the dithering Ryan Dickson on the edge of the area only to miss the target. Brentford had a penalty shout turned down by referee Chris Foy after a heavy challenge from James Tunnicliffe on Darryl Westlake.
Wycombe right-back Jason Crowe spurned two easy chances to put his team ahead after the break and Zola must have feared the worst after Velev was dismissed later in the second half. The Bulgarian midfielder scythed down Ainsworth and was sent off to the protests of his team-mates. Richard Lee managed to deny Jamie Mole from point-blank distance but late substitute Grella ensured an unlikely win, running onto Jonathan Douglas' through ball and hammering the ball home off the crossbar.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger (O'Connor 73), Trevisan, Dickson - Forrester, Douglas, Velev
Substitutes: Moore, Legge.
Taz.
GRELLA AIMS TO CONTINUE RUN
Published: Wed 26 Oct 2011 - By Ciaran Brett
Mike Grella is looking to make the most of his scoring run after grabbing three goals in two games.
The in-form striker came off the bench against Wycombe and required just five minutes to score his seventh goal of the season, securing another win for Brentford. The late strike added to his brace against Walsall at the weekend and the American believes that he can step up to become the Bees' main man up front. Gianfranco Zola has opted for a lone striker of late and Grella has been battling Clayton Donaldson for the starting spot with Yassin El Azzouzi still sidelined until the end of November.
"I'm delighted with how things are going right now," the twenty four year old told the official site after training. "I'm in good form and I feel confident in taking shots. I've tried to work on my finishing a lot more in training and obviously the boss has helped me hugely. He's an expert in that field and it's brilliant to have him on hand for some tips, he's a hands-on sort of guy and it makes a big difference. Me and Clayton are both fighting hard to earn that spot in the team but the competition is healthy and we know that both of us can't start every game."
Zola faces a pleasant dilemma ahead of Brentford's trip to Stevenage on Saturday. Both Grella and Donaldson have enjoyed productive spells in front of goal, although the American trails his striking rival by two goals in all competitions. El Azzouzi recorded an impressive tally of seven before suffering a hip injury against Sheffield Wednesday in September, while Fulham loanee Marcello Trotta remains sidelined for the journey to Broadhall Way. Niall McGinn is also out until February with a torn calf muscle.
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Taz.
STEVENAGE 1-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 29 Oct - 15:00 - Broadhall Way
Brentford were held to a disappointing draw by Stevenage despite taking the lead at Broadhall Way.
The newly-promoted side have established an eight-point gap on the relegation zone and proved a surprisingly tough test for the Bees, who remain at the top of League One. Ludovic Gamboa opened the scoring for Gianfranco Zola's side in the eighteenth minute but the hosts soon pulled back through Josh Walker. Stevenage held firm in the second half and denied a third consecutive victory for Brentford, who maintain a four-point lead over our new nearest challengers Preston with the 1-1 draw.
The home side wasted a good opportunity to take the lead after John Mousinho intercepted Bees centre-back Trevor Trevisan's underhit pass. Mousinho broke into the box but his shot ballooned over the crossbar to spare the blushes of the Italian defender. Mike Grella has been Brentford's main goal threat in the past two games but the American striker turned provider today. He kicked off a slick passing move by finding Toumani Diagouraga. The midfielder picked out Gamboa on the edge of the box and the winger bent the ball past Chris Day.
Walker grabbed the equaliser within ten minutes. Zola's side failed to clear their lines properly after a corner and the on-loan midfielder's powerful long-range drive evaded Richard Lee's clutches. Lee prevented Stevenage striker Chris Beardsley from putting the hosts ahead after the break by pulling off a superb diving save to push away his headed effort. Zola introduced Clayton Donaldson in the chase for three points but Day denied the Bees' top scorer with a low save after skipper Kevin O'Connor sent the striker clean through on goal.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Trevisan, Dickson (Donaldson 53) - Forrester (Logan 81), Douglas, Diagouraga (O'Connor 73), Gamboa - Grella.
Substitutes: Moore, Weston.
Taz.
DOUBLE INJURY BLOW FOR BEES
Published: Tues 01 Nov 2011 - By Ciaran Brett
Gianfranco Zola faces a selection headache after injuries to Darryl Westlake and Trevor Trevisan.
The defensive duo limped out of training yesterday and were sent for scans. Westlake has suffered a badly twisted ankle and will be sidelined for up to a month, while Trevisan suffered a double hernia in the weights room and is likely to miss at least eight weeks. Brentford are already without the services of three first-team players through injury. Yassin El Azzouzi, Niall McGinn and Marcello Trotta are all sidelined, while Mike Grella and Stefan Velev are both suspended for Saturday's game against Milton Keynes Dons.
Westlake has been a regular face in the starting line-up since joining from Walsall in the summer. The twenty year old is likely to be replaced by Shaleum Logan while he recovers from a painful ankle injury but Zola faces a dilemma over replacing his compatriot Trevisan, who is on loan from Serie B side Padova. The Bees boss has experimented with a five-man defence in the last two games but may switch to a traditional four-man backline on Saturday, with Marcel Eger alongside Karleigh Osborne at centre-back.
Brentford have also discovered their FA Cup first round opponents this afternoon. The Bees will welcome the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition to Griffin Park after being drawn to play Deal Town. The non-league minnows ply their trade in the Kent Football League at the ninth tier of English football and have seen off Margate, North Greenford and Concord Rangers on the way to their first main draw appearance in their history. Brentford were knocked out in the first round last season by League Two side Aldershot.
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Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-1 MK DONS
Sat 5 Nov - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Goals from Clayton Donaldson and Ludovic Gamboa captured a seventh win in nine games for Brentford.
Donaldson's tenth goal of the season and Gamboa's strike after the break saw off MK Dons at Griffin Park, despite the table-topping Bees once again riding their luck at times. Charlie MacDonald pulled a goal back for the visitors but Gianfranco Zola's side held firm and secured all three points. Brentford's twelfth league win of the season means that the Bees have established a nine-point advantage over the fourth-placed Dons, who were unlucky not to come away with a draw after dominating much of the play.
Zola's side remains thin on the ground in defence following several injuries and MK Dons tested the Bees' makeshift backline several times in the first half. Angelo Balanta forced a smart save from Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee and on-loan Swansea winger Thomas Butler smashed a shot off the post after dispossessing captain Jonathan Douglas. The Bees were the team to take the lead in the forty-fourth minute as Shaun Williams was caught out by Douglas' long ball, allowing Donaldson to race through and slot past David Martin.
Brentford made the best of the slightly fortunate opener and doubled the lead only three minutes after the break. Mathias Doumbé's clearance fell to Gamboa on the left wing and the Frenchman cut inside, skinned Adam Smith superbly and drilled the ball low into the back of the net. MacDonald pulled a goal back on the hour after beating Leon Legge to Balanta's cross but despite the on-loan QPR man having two decent chances in the final ten minutes, the Bees held on to record an important three points against their promotion rivals.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Eger, Legge, Dickson - Forrester (Trotta 75), Douglas, Diagouraga (O'Connor 61), Gamboa (Saunders 72) - Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, Woodman.
Taz.
WYCOMBE 2-6 BRENTFORD
Tues 08 Nov - 19:45 - Adams Park
Brentford thumped Wycombe to move into the Football League Trophy area semi-finals.
After a series of inconsistent performances, the Bees were back to their blistering best at Adams Park and registered nine shots on target against a shellshocked Wycombe side. Matt Bloomfield's early goal gave the hosts a surprise lead but the home side were soon pegged back as Ludovic Gamboa grabbed a brace for Gianfranco Zola's side, while Marcel Eger, Mike Grella and Clayton Donaldson were also on the scoresheet. Marcello Trotta capped off a dominant win with his first goal in a Brentford shirt.
Wycombe took the lead after just six minutes in impressive fashion. Stuart Beavon laid the ball off for Bloomfield to hammer a curling thirty-yard effort past Richard Lee. Zola's men soon hit back and were level in the twelfth minute. Gamboa performed superbly and he was the man to fire home the equaliser as Nikki Bull parried Trotta's shot into his path, allowing the Frenchman to stroke the ball into an empty net. Eger headed in captain Kevin O'Connor's corner at the near post three minutes later to give Brentford the lead.
Gamboa grabbed his second goal of the evening in the fortieth minute. Donaldson's low cross took a sizeable deflection off Izzy Iriekpen and Gamboa was in the right place to stab the ball past Bull. The Bees showed no signs of slowing down in the second half and Grella sent a powerful left-footed drive into the back of the net just six minutes after the break. Iriekpen snatched a goal back with a stooping header from Neil Harris' free kick but Brentford restored their three-goal lead within ninety seconds.
Donaldson started and finished the move, breaking down the right wing and whipping in a cross. Dave Winfield's weak clearance was collected by Toumani Diagouraga and the Frenchman spotted the striker skipping into the box, setting Donaldson free to slide the ball into the back of the net. The Chairboys defence repeatedly struggled to clear the lines and Brentford's sixth goal of the evening arrived in similar circumstances as Trotta seized on Iriekpen's mistake to drill home his first goal since joining on loan from Fulham.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan (Legge 75), Eger, Osborne, Woodman - Donaldson (Forrester 75), Diagouraga, O'Connor (Dickson 85), Gamboa - Grella, Trotta.
Substitutes: Moore, Weston.
Taz.
Deal minnows aim to continue fairytale
• Ninth-tier side make trip to League One giants Brentford in FA Cup
Published: 08:33, 13 November 2011
Deal Town's remarkable FA Cup adventure continues this afternoon against League One leaders Brentford.
The minnows play in the Kent Football League at the ninth level of English football and have already knocked out four sides from higher divisions on their way to a first ever appearance in the first round. The game will be televised live on ITV and Deal boss Derek Hares has urged his side to make the best of their unexpected appearance in front of the cameras. Brentford are the highest-ranked side currently in the competition and have an impressive four-point lead at the top of League One, having won twelve of their sixteen league games.
"We know that whatever happens, we've done amazingly well to get this far," Hares told the Mail as his side prepares for the biggest occasion since lifting the FA Vase in 2000. "I can't think of many teams from our level that have got to this point. It's testament to the lads because they've been unbelievable and really deserve this chance for the whole country to see them play. I think there will be a fair few rooting for us tomorrow. Brentford are a great side but if we work hard and keep things tight then we could cause them problems."
Deal's journey began in the preliminary rounds and Hares admitted that even making the main qualifying rounds counted as a success for the Hoops, who are based in a small town near Dover. After beating Margate in a replay in the second qualifying round, Deal eliminated North Greenford and Concord Rangers to book a spot against Gianfranco Zola's side at Griffin Park. The underdogs are likely to take one hundred fans to West London to take on the Bees and the Brentford boss admitted that his side needed to be on their guard.
"Upsets like this happen every year," the forty five year old admitted. "The FA Cup really inspires these small teams. These matches are massive occasions and they definitely raise their game. It will be a fantastic experience for our opponents and we have to take them seriously. We are expected to win but the style of football at those levels is to make things difficult for the other team and fight for every ball. This is the first time we've been on television this season and we want to make sure that we give people the chance to see our ability."
Taz.
BRENTFORD 4-0 DEAL
Sun 13 Nov - 16:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford came through the FA Cup first round unscathed with a comfortable win over minnows Deal.
The ninth-tier side failed to spring a surprise on the Bees as their fairytale cup run came to an end in comprehensive fashion. Centre-back Marcel Eger scored twice as Gianfranco Zola's men exploited the Kent Football League outfit's lack of organisation at set pieces. An own goal from Deal midfielder Kristin Gregory and Ludovic Gamboa's second-half strike saw Brentford end the match as comfortable winners as the visitors failed to muster a single shot on target in front of the TV cameras at Griffin Park.
The Bees went into the game as overwhelming favourites and the six-level gap between the two sides was clear in the first half. Zola's men could have taken the lead three times before Eger opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Deal goalkeeper Henry Newcombe pushed away Clayton Donaldson's effort in the first minute and Gamboa and Mike Grella both missed easy opportunities. The visiting keeper fumbled Karleigh Osborne's effort from Harry Forrester's inswinging corner and Eger popped up unmarked to poke the ball into the back of the net.
Brentford's second goal was one for the compilation tapes as Gamboa's whipped cross caught out Gregory. His attempt to head clear looped over the goalkeeper to his clear embarrassment. It looked like the match could end in a cricket score but to their credit, Deal kept out the Bees until first half injury time. Skipper Kevin O'Connor's free kick went uncleared and Eger hammered the loose ball into the back of the net. Gamboa added a fourth with a low drive from the edge of the box after the break as Brentford cruised into the second round.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Forrester (Saunders 58), Douglas, O'Connor (Diagouraga 83), Gamboa - Donaldson, Grella (Trotta 58).
Substitutes: Moore, Legge, Woodman, Weston.