The Brentford Project

BEES MAKE DOUBLE SIGNING
Published: Wed 25 Jul 2012 - By Ciaran Brett



Brentford have signed striker Osarimen Ebagua and centre-back Jamaal Lascelles.

Gianfranco Zola has continued to strengthen his side ahead of the Championship kick-off next month by bringing in another two new faces. The Bees have stumped up a fee of around £500,000 for the Italian striker, who scored thirteen goals in Serie B for Torino last season. Ebagua was also co-owned by Varese, who will receive half of the final price. Highly-rated youngster Lascelles departed Nottingham Forest at the end of the season in May and joins on a free transfer, signing a five-year deal.



"I am very excited to begin a new chapter of my career in England," said the Nigerian-born striker. "It has been a dream of mine for a long time to play in the Premier League and I think that there is a very bright future here at Brentford. The manager is an iconic figure in Italian football and it is a privilege to work with someone who can speak your language, both on the field and off the field. I want to challenge myself and moving away from Italy will be a big change for me. I want to keep improving and work hard for the team."

Ebagua has spent much of his career playing in the lower leagues in his homeland, earning a reputation for his pace and power. The twenty six year old has broken into double figures for goals for four consecutive seasons. Lascelles made just two appearances for Forest last season, despite making his debut for the England Under-19 team. The eighteen year old is described as an athletic and intelligent young defender and was earmarked as a future star at the City Ground before leaving due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

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BEES SIGN MIDFIELD DUO
Published: Wed 01 Aug 2012 - By Ciaran Brett



Gianfranco Zola believes Brentford are ready for the Championship after two more summer signings.

Zola declared himself happy with the Bees' summer recruitment after unveiling his ninth and tenth signings of the summer window. Brentford have completed the signings of Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards and Inverness man Lee Cox. Welsh international Edwards has moved to Griffin Park on a season-long loan, while Cox has penned a four-year deal after the Scottish Premiership side accepted an offer of £350,000. Edwards made twelve appearances in the Premier League for Mick McCarthy's men last season, scoring one goal.



"We've had a great summer," the Brentford head coach told the official site. "Me, Matthew and Mark drew up a plan after we won the title and we've stuck to it over the last two months or so. We knew that certain players would attract interest but we were well-prepared. We have proven quality in this team and a good blend of personalities. Dave gives us a great deal of experience in the Championship but most importantly, his energy makes him a great fit for the way we play. Lee is another hard-working player who can press well."

Edwards won the Championship title with Wolves in 2009 and has gone on to make fifty Premier League appearances. The twenty six year old also has twenty two international caps for Wales and can play both on the right flank and in the middle of the pitch. Former Leicester youth product Cox has spent the last three seasons in Scotland with Caley Thistle, becoming a regular face in centre midfield and making nearly eighty appearances. Both players could play a part in tonight's friendly against Ebbsfleet at Griffin Park.

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BRENTFORD 2-0 MILLWALL
Sat 11 Aug - 15:00 - Griffin Park



Brentford enjoyed a successful start to life in the Championship with a comfortable win against Millwall.

Two second-half goals from record signing Tommy Rowe and centre-back Karleigh Osborne secured all three points as the Bees returned to the second tier for the first time in twenty years. Head coach Gianfranco Zola handed debuts to new signings Dave Edwards, Dale Stephens, Rowe and Osarimen Ebagua as the Bees welcomed Paul Jewell's Lions to Griffin Park. Rowe opened the scoring on his debut for the club as Brentford produced a confident performance in front of a packed crowd of nearly 9,000.

Jonathan Douglas and Kevin O'Connor looked particularly solid in front of the defence as the Bees froze out the visitors from East London. Josh McQuoid sent a shot sailing over the crossbar from long range in Millwall's best chance of the first half. Ebagua enjoyed a bright start as the lone striker and nearly broke the deadlock in his first start for Brentford. Edwards skipped down the right flank and crossed for the pacy Italian debutant, who took the ball down, shrugged off Darren Ward's challenge and hammered the ball off the post.

Richard Lee held James Henry's free-kick after the break but the Bees looked firmly on top. Zola introduced Afobe for some more firepower and the on-loan Arsenal youngster provided the assist for the opening goal in the seventy-fourth minute. Afobe drove past Nadjim Abdou and slipped a neat through ball for Rowe, who raced clear and finished calmly. Brentford killed off any Millwall resistance eight minutes later from a familiar formula. Ebagua drifted in a corner to the near post and Osborne rose highest to glance the ball past David Forde.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake (Logan 72), Osborne, Beevers, Dickson - Douglas, O'Connor (Netzer 77) - Edwards, Stephens (Afobe 56), Rowe - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Maxwell, Forrester.

SOUTHEND 0-6 BRENTFORD
Tues 14 Aug - 19:45 - Roots Hall



Benik Afobe and Paddy Madden both scored twice as Brentford thrashed Southend in the Capital One Cup.

The League Two side were no match for the Bees, who produced a punishing display to secure progress to the second round. Madden put Brentford ahead before Lee Cox scored his first goal for the club. The Irishman added another and Harry Forrester claimed a fourth goal. Afobe rounded out a merciless performance with two strikes of his own in the second half. Gianfranco Zola's side will play Championship rivals Reading at the Madejski Stadium in the next round despite the Italian opting to rotate his squad for the short trip to Essex.

After losing his place in the team towards the end of last season, Madden looked eager to impress and forced Southend goalkeeper Dan Bentley into a good save after combining well with Forrester. The young Irishman finally broke the deadlock with five minutes of the first half remaining. Ludovic Gamboa brilliantly controlled Jamaal Lascelles' long ball and flicked it on for Madden to half-volley home. Cox made it 2-0 in the forty-fourth minute, drilling the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box after a poor Shrimpers clearance.

Madden required only nine second-half minutes to pounce for his second goal. Clayton Donaldson dropped deep to collect the ball and draw Arsenio Halfhuid out of position. Madden raced onto Donaldson's clever reverse pass and lifted the ball over Bentley. The young stopper recovered to deny Madden a hat-trick moments later and the former Carlisle man had his head in his hands when he nodded Gamboa's cross inches over the crossbar. Forrester eventually added a fourth goal, glancing home Stefan Velev's free-kick at the back post.

Afobe made another appearance from the bench and enjoyed a productive twenty-five minute spell for the Bees. Only seven minutes after replacing Donaldson, the on-loan Arsenal youngster beat Graham Coughlan to poke Forrester's low cross past the goalkeeper. Afobe notched a second goal in the seventy-eighth minute. Osarimen Ebagua played a wonderful pass from his own half, splitting the defence for Afobe to roll the ball past Bentley. Lascelles could have added a seventh goal in stoppage time but narrowly headed over the bar.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Logan, Lascelles, Taylor, Dudgeon - Cox (Netzer 80), Velev - Forrester, Donaldson (Afobe 67), Gamboa (Ebagua 74) - Madden.
Substitutes: Maxwell, Osborne, Beevers, Rowe.

Solid season to be season @Taz.. It's always nice to keep back-to-back clean sheets in your first two games.

Just read from start to now.

Excellent layout, easy to follow. Hopefully Afobe can fire you to the Premiership.

Cheers to you both I'm really pleased with the quality of the squad, hopefully we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.

And if there's one thing that irritates me then it's the lack of clean sheets, defence is by far the worst part of the side so two (admittedly against slightly weaker opponents) is quite nice.

COVENTRY 1-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 18 Aug - 15:00 - Ricoh Arena



Dave Edwards' first goal for Brentford wasn't quite enough as the Bees were held by Coventry.

Gianfranco Zola's side looked well on top throughout the trip to the East Midlands and took the lead after just three minutes through Edwards' first goal since joining from Wolves. Despite taking eleven more shots than the hosts, Lukas Jutkiewicz claimed a second-half leveller for the Sky Blues and Brentford couldn't find a clinical edge after the break. The Bees remain unbeaten in their first two games in the Championship, although Zola will be frustrated by his side's failure to claim a second consecutive win.

Benik Afobe was handed his first start for Brentford and the on-loan Arsenal youngster played a key role in the opening goal. Jonathan Douglas spotted a gap between the centre-backs and chipped the ball through for Afobe. The Bees striker smashed his shot off the crossbar but Edwards reacted swiftly to pick up the pieces and drive the ball into an empty net. Douglas could have doubled the lead in the first half but fired wide after he was played through by Stefan Velev. Joe Murphy also made a superb save from Edwards' effort.

Velev hit the side netting on the hour as Brentford looked to secure victory but the equaliser arrived in the sixty-third minute. Velev's compatriot Boyan Tabakov floated a free-kick into the area and Jutkiewicz outmuscled Karleigh Osborne to head it past Richard Lee. Zola had introduced Osarimen Ebagua for added firepower and the Italian nearly claimed the winning goal for the Bees. Osborne collected Martin Cranie's clearance and squared it for Ebagua. The striker hit a fierce shot but missed by inches, thumping the ball into the hoarding.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Beevers, Dudgeon (Dickson 75) - Douglas, Cox (Ebagua 62) - Edwards, Velev, Rowe (Forrester 87) - Afobe.
Substitutes: Maxwell, O'Connor.

Bees boss seeks clinical edge




Gianfranco Zola cursed missed opportunities after Brentford's 1-1 draw against Coventry yesterday.

Brentford dominated the majority of the game at the Ricoh Arena but were forced to settle for a point after Lukas Jutkiewicz's second-half equaliser for the home side. Summer signings Osarimen Ebagua and Benik Afobe are both still looking for their first league goal in a Bees shirt and Zola admitted that he was frustrated by Brentford's inability to close out a second consecutive win in the Championship. The Bees have enjoyed a solid start after promotion to the second tier and currently lie sixth in the table.



"We are kicking ourselves a little in the dressing room," the forty six year old said in his post-match interview. "We should have won that game. We controlled the ball well and created plenty of good chances but the finish was not quite there. It's still very early in the season, it is not a disaster, just a little irritating. We want to win as many games as possible. We've managed the step-up well so far and we look confident. We will pick ourselves up now and look for the right result against Blackpool on Tuesday evening."

"It was a nice feeling to get my first goal," on-loan midfielder Dave Edwards said after his third-minute strike. "We're taking each game as it comes and just trying to build up some momentum. It's a long old season and there are many more games to come, we've just got to learn from our mistakes and stay confident. I thought we went forward well, we just need to take our chances. It's been an enjoyable first few weeks here, the manager has given me a good role in the team and the core of the side is strong."

BRENTFORD 1-2 BLACKPOOL
Tues 21 Aug - 19:30 - Griffin Park



Brentford's forty seven-game unbeaten home record came to an end against Blackpool.

Uruguayan international Jorge Rodríguez scored twice for the big-spending visitors as Gianfranco Zola lost his first home league game as Brentford head coach. Karleigh Osborne grabbed a consolation in stoppage time but the Bees were well-beaten by superior opposition. Ian Holloway's side spent over £18million in the summer and Rodríguez's international class was obvious as he ran the show at Griffin Park. Brentford's previous home league defeat came over fifteen months ago in a 3-0 reverse against Southampton.

Zola's side almost took the lead with the first real chance of the game in the eighth minute. Stefan Velev set Dave Edwards free to speed down the right flank and the Welsh international's whipped cross was deflected towards his own goal by Jordan Spence. Ian Evatt hacked the ball off the line to spare his colleague's blushes. Haruna Babangida's pace posed a constant threat and Richard Lee was at his acrobatic best to turn the Nigerian international's effort around the post after Babangida motored through the Bees backline.

Rodríguez gave Blackpool the lead in the forty-first minute. £6.5million signing Steven Caulker kicked off a swift counter-attack that resulted in Rodríguez going clear on goal. The winger finished calmly before Brazilian international Ilsinho went close with a long-range effort. Rodríguez gave Darryl Westlake a torrid afternoon and he easily beat the Bees right-back to kill off the game with a far-post header in the eightieth minute. Osborne nodded in Velev's corner in the ninety-third minute but Brentford could have few complaints in defeat.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Beevers, Dudgeon (Logan 66) - Douglas (Cox 81), Netzer - Edwards (Afobe 66), Velev, Rowe - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Maxwell, O'Connor.

SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 25 Aug - 15:00 - St. Mary's



Kevin O'Connor's late winner earned Brentford a surprise away win against Southampton.

Alan Shearer's side have been tipped as promotion contenders but an excellent defensive performance from the Bees earned a superb victory at St. Mary's. Richard Lee was named man of the match as the Brentford stopper produced a superb display, keeping the Saints at bay before club captain O'Connor claimed all three points in the eighty-eighth minute. Gianfranco Zola reshuffled his defence after a disappointing performance against Blackpool in midweek and Jamaal Lascelles and Ryan Dickson both performed impressively.

Knowing the Bees were likely to be under pressure, Zola deployed three defensively-minded midfielders to stifle the hosts. Lee made the first of many crucial saves in the second minute, foiling Titi's effort from an Adam Lallana corner. Lallana then forced the Brentford stopper into a flying save from a speculative long-range shot. Tommy Rowe went close for Zola's men before the Saints onslaught continued. Lee made a stunning reflex stop from Darko Zec's header before Wilfried Zaha smashed the ball off the post for the home side.

Shearer introduced Rickie Lambert at half time but Brentford held firm. Darryl Westlake looked much-improved at right-back and made a fantastic block from Zaha, while Lee clung onto Juraj Halenar's effort. Paddy Madden looked bright for the Bees and had a goal contentiously ruled out for offside. As Brentford prepared for a nervy finale, an excellent counter-attacking move earned an unexpected winner. Lascelles found Harry Forrester, whose cross was deflected to O'Connor. The skipper placed his shot perfectly to delight the travelling fans.


Brentford (4-3-3)
Lee - Westlake, Lascelles, Beevers, Dickson - Douglas, Stephens (Forrester 73), Netzer - Ebagua, Afobe (Madden 62), Rowe (O'Connor 78).
Substitutes: Maxwell, Logan.

READING 2-4 BRENTFORD
Tues 28 Aug - 19:45 - Madejski Stadium



Brentford eased past Reading to claim a place in the third round of the Capital One Cup.

Osarimen Ebagua opened his account for the Bees with a brace and Paddy Madden and Mark Beevers were also on the scoresheet as the Bees thoroughly outplayed their Championship rivals. Jobi McAnuff cancelled out Ebagua's opener but Brentford raced into a 4-1 lead before Hal Robson-Kanu grabbed a second-half consolation goal for the shellshocked Royals. Gianfranco Zola's side will take on Premier League side Norwich in the third round after a superb away performance at the Madejski Stadium.

After failing to find the net in his first three games for the Bees, Ebagua was on the warpath and outmuscled Alex Pearce to meet Harry Forrester's ball. Adam Federici managed to divert the ball wide but the Italian striker looked in confident form. The Reading stopper held onto Darryl Westlake's low effort but Brentford broke the deadlock in the twenty-first minute. A superb counter-attacking move saw the Bees break like lightning down the pitch. Ebagua's raw pace allowed him to dart clear and clip Forrester's cross past Federici.

Reading levelled in the forty-first minute after a clinical passing move. Beevers was caught out of position and Jem Karacan slipped the ball to Noel Hunt. The Irishman spotted McAnuff free to his left and squared the ball for the Jamaican international to rifle past Richard Lee. Madden replaced Forrester at half time and the striker required just three minutes to restore Brentford's advantage. Dave Edwards flicked the ball through with the outside of his boot and the Irish striker kept his cool to roll the ball into the back of the net.

Federici was left red-faced as the Bees grabbed a third goal. Hunt sliced Ludovic Gamboa's corner towards his own goal and the Royals goalkeper spilled the ball at the feet of Beevers. The big centre-back bundled it over the line to score his first goal of the season. A fantastic run from Tommy Rowe brought the fourth goal as the winger weaved through the Reading defence and found Ebagua, who swept the ball home. Robson-Kanu nodded in Etien Velikonja's cross to pull a goal back for the hosts in the closing stages.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Beevers, Dudgeon (Dickson 67) - O'Connor, Velev - Forrester (Madden 45), Edwards, Gamboa (Rowe 63) - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Maxwell, Lascelles, Diagouraga, Afobe.

BEES SIGN BRAZILIAN VETERAN
Published: Fri 31 Aug 2012 - By Ciaran Brett



Brentford have completed the signing of centre-back Vitorino Hilton on a free transfer.

The thirty four year old was released by Ligue 1 champions Montpellier in May despite lifting the club's first ever French title. The highly experienced defender has signed a one-year deal at Griffin Park and will wear the number twenty one shirt. The veteran earned a reputation in France for his classy style of play and was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year on four separate occasions. Hilton was a key part of Montpellier's surprising run to the title last season, adding that triumph to the Ligue 1 medal that he lifted with Marseille in 2010.



"He is a hugely experienced player and an excellent influence," Bees head coach Gianfranco Zola said. "I don't think there are many teams in this division that have a player that won one of the biggest leagues in Europe last season. It's a big signing for us and I'm glad to have him as a part of our team. A strong defence is absolutely vital at this level, we've seen the quality of the strikers and Hilton knows exactly how to deal with that. He's not the youngest or the quickest but he brings a brilliant sense of position and a very calm head."

Hilton's arrival means that young utility player Ash Taylor has temporarily departed Griffin Park. The twenty one year old has joined Championship rivals MK Dons on loan until the end of the season. Zola agreed to allow Taylor to leave to gain first-team experience after adding the Brazilian to the likes of Karleigh Osborne and Mark Beevers at centre-back. The Welsh youth international signed from Tranmere in January for £70,000 but he has made just five league appearances, his last start coming in the Capital One Cup against Southend.

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BRENTFORD 1-0 DERBY
Sat 01 Sep - 15:00 - Griffin Park



Brentford's bright start to life in the Championship continued with victory over Derby.

The Bees have collected ten points from the opening five games after Osarimen Ebagua's strike secured the win over the Rams at Griffin Park. Another resolute defensive display earned a second consecutive clean sheet for Richard Lee as Brentford froze out the visitors before claiming victory in the second half. Having opened his account for Gianfranco Zola's men in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, Ebagua impressively led the line again, while Brazilian debutant Hilton also enjoyed a composed performance at centre-back.

Dave Edwards showed his Premier League class on the right flank and the Welshman almost put the Bees ahead in the third minute. Karleigh Osborne flicked the ball on for the on-loan Wolves man and he forced Frank Fielding into a good save. Shay Logan cleared Steven Davies' header off the line from a Paul Coutts corner but Brentford remained on top and Edwards hit the woodwork after breaking clear on goal. Shaun Barker also made a well-timed tackle to thwart Ebagua as he raced into the box in pursuit of Stefan Velev's long ball.

Ebagua is slowly growing into his role as a lone striker and the Italian continued to look dangerous after the break. The former Torino man combined well with Edwards before testing Fielding with a fingertip stop. Zola introduced Benik Afobe as Brentford chased three points but it was Ebagua that finally broke the deadlock in the seventy-eighth minute. Afobe bullied John Brayford off the ball and played an excellent through ball for his strike partner, who timed his run perfectly and deftly clipped the ball into the back of the net.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Hilton, Dickson - Douglas, Velev (Netzer 75) - Edwards (O'Connor 83), Stephens (Afobe 58), Rowe - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Forrester, Madden.

Shame to see that unbeaten home record come to an end, some feat making that happen thats for sure. Made a good start to the championship, godo to see this going strongly still

BURNLEY 2-2 BRENTFORD
Sat 15 Sep - 15:00 - Turf Moor



Darcy Blake's last-minute equaliser forced Brentford to settle for a point against ten-man Burnley.

After a goalless first half, the hosts took the lead through Jay Rodriguez but the Bees quickly battled back and snatched the lead. Osarimen Ebagua bagged his fourth and fifth goals in the last three games and Brentford looked set for victory when Burnley goalkeeper Lee Grant was sent off in the closing minutes. Blake's diving header in the fourth minute of injury time stole a point for Mark Robins' side and prevented the Bees from claiming a third consecutive league victory after an end-to-end encounter at Turf Moor.

The Clarets are the highest scorers in the Championship and the opening forty five minutes was a feast of attacking football. Richard Lee spread himself well to push Brazilian striker Gerlem's effort clear and from the resulting counter-attack, Jonathan Douglas should have scored, instead firing the ball straight at Grant after he was teed up by Ebagua's fine pass. Stefan Velev made his debut for Bulgaria over the international break and the midfielder sent a free-kick narrowly wide of the post, while Lee again saved well from André Bikey.

Rodriguez gave Burnley the lead in the fiftieth minute. Jacob Butterfield laid the ball off to the striker on the edge of the box and he swivelled and sent a curling effort past Lee. Brentford quickly levelled through Ebagua. Tommy Rowe spotted an opening in the Clarets backline and worked the ball through for Ebagua, who smashed it into the back of the net. The Italian has been in sparkling form and he put the Bees ahead five minutes later. Grant rushed out to claim Velev's through ball but Ebagua was too quick for the stopper and prodded home.

Burnley continued to pour forward and Gianfranco Zola brought on Shay Logan and skipper Kevin O'Connor to offer some more resistance. Referee Steve Tanner looked to have struck the decisive blow to the home side's chances when he showed Grant a straight red card for handling outside the area. The Clarets finally equalised in the ninety-fourth minute of the game. Butterfield swung a free-kick deep into the box and found Blake at the far post. The Welsh right-back dived onto the ball and planted his header to Lee's left.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake (Logan 72), Hilton, Beevers, Dudgeon - Douglas (Forrester 67), Velev (O'Connor 80) - Edwards, Stephens, Rowe - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Maxwell, Afobe.

BRENTFORD 3-0 MIDDLESBROUGH
Sat 22 Sep - 15:00 - Griffin Park



Brentford moved into third place in the Championship after easily defeating Middlesbrough.

Gianfranco Zola's side have taken to the second tier like ducks to water and picked up another superb victory against ten-man Boro. Osarimen Ebagua continued his scoring streak with another brace and Dave Edwards claimed his second goal of the season, leapfrogging the visitors in the process. Man of the match Ebagua has now hit the target in four consecutive games for Brentford. Barry Robson was sent off in the second half for Tony Mowbray's side, who lost for only the second time this season.

Brentford began the game brightly and almost went ahead in the third minute. A flowing move started off in the Bees half by Darryl Westlake saw the ball threaded through midfield to Jonathan Douglas, who spotted Edwards cutting into the box. The Welsh international struck the ball hard and low but Boro stopper Zdravko Chavdarov clung onto his shot. Ebagua gave the Bees the lead in the eighteenth minute. Stefan Velev chipped the ball over the visitors' high line and Ebagua outpaced Stephen McManus to calmly fire it home.

The Italian striker looked lethal and claimed the second goal five minutes later. Ebagua timed his run perfectly to beat Faris Haroun to Tommy Rowe's corner and glance the ball home. Mauro Obolo posed Boro's biggest threat in attack and forced Richard Lee into a good save with a long-range effort. Brentford once again scored on the counter in the fifty-sixth minute when Rowe blitzed down the flank and found Edwards at the far post. Further insult to injury arrived when Robson hacked down the Welshman and earned a straight red card.


Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Hilton, Dudgeon (Logan 70) - Douglas (O'Connor 74), Velev - Edwards, Stephens (Netzer 70), Rowe - Ebagua.
Substitutes: Maxwell, Afobe.

Zola proud of Bees start



23 September 2012 - Football

Brentford head coach Gianfranco Zola believes his side are proving their worth in the Championship.

The Bees boss was speaking after his side comfortably defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 at Griffin Park, a result which saw the newly-promoted side climb to third in the league. Zola has presided over an impressive start to the season that has seen the Bees lose just one of their opening seven games in the Championship. The West London side are currently just four points behind leaders Leicester and level on points with second-placed Blackpool. Zola praised his side's self-belief in his post-match interview.

"Of course, it is still very early in the season," the former West Ham boss said. "Our main priority is staying up but if we can maintain these levels of performances, I think we're capable of a lot more. We've shown our confidence and adapted very quickly. We've not changed too much of our game, we've stuck to our guns and it's bringing some fantastic results. We didn't want to rip the team up just because we got promoted and I'm proud of the players that have made the step up. I think we're showing that we belong here."

Zola spent £3million in the summer but the core of the side includes the likes of Richard Lee, Karleigh Osborne and Jonathan Douglas, all of whom starred in the Bees' march to the League One title last season. Brentford are next in action in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday against Premier League side Norwich. Zola's side have already beaten Southend and Reading on the way to the third round of the competition but they will be underdogs for the trip to Carrow Road to take on the Canaries, who are twelfth in the top flight.

Norwich 0-2 Brentford
Last Updated: 25/09/12 - 21:41



Championship side Brentford dumped Norwich out of the Capital One Cup.

Prolific Bees striker Osarimen Ebagua scored for the fifth consecutive game and Tommy Rowe capped off a surprise win for Gianfranco Zola's side in the second half. Norwich have enjoyed a solid start to the season and lie twelfth in the Premier League but a much-changed side failed to break down the visitors at Carrow Road. Canaries head coach Mark Bowen had admitted that he was focussed on top-flight survival this season and the Welshman handed rare starts to several fringe players in the third round tie.

Ebagua has found the net seven times in the last four games and the Italian striker was a consistent threat to the rotated Norwich backline. He twice came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening fifteen minutes, floating an audacious chip just over the crossbar and missing the target after latching onto Stefan Velev's through ball. Ebagua eventually opened the scoring in the seventeenth minute. Rowe was the architect, quickly recycling the ball on the counter for Ebagua to chase and drive past Canaries goalkeeper Declan Rudd.

The opening goal gave the Bees a significant confidence boost and the swaggering Dave Edwards forced Rudd into a fantastic save to beat away his powerful effort. Rowe also missed a gilt-edged chance to claim a second when he was left with a free header. Brentford's record signing finally doubled the Bees' lead in the seventy-ninth minute. Zola's side's ruthless counter-attacking play was in full view as Shay Logan's quickly-taken free-kick found Ebagua, who drilled the ball across the box for the unmarked Rowe to slide past Rudd.


Osarimen Ebagua (17), Tommy Rowe (79)

Zola returns to the Bridge




Gianfranco Zola will return to Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

Brentford's reward for knocking out Premier League side Norwich is a short trip across West London to take on Chelsea. Zola remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Blues, making over three hundred appearances for Chelsea. The forty six year old will now lead the Bees out at the Bridge for the first time since his spell in charge of West Ham. Chelsea eased past Tottenham last night to also secure a place in the last sixteen of the competition as manager Louis van Gaal targets his first silverware at the club.

"It is always a pleasure to go to Stamford Bridge," the Brentford head coach told the Times. "I have many wonderful memories of my time at Chelsea and I have a good relationship with the fans. There is not much of a rivalry but we will fight hard and try to win the game. I thought we handled Norwich very well and the performance was very impressive. Chelsea are obviously on a different level but I think we can make it tough for them. We've shown that we can counter-attack and get the ball forward very quickly."

Zola will take on Chelsea as a coach for the first time since March 2010, when his West Ham side were on the receiving end of a 4-1 defeat. The Italian boss has collected two points from his four encounters with the Blues, drawing 1-1 on two occasions in December 2008 and December 2009. Both sides are in similarly strong positions in their respective leagues. Brentford are currently third in the Championship, while van Gaal has enjoyed a solid start to his first full campaign in charge and has lost just twice so far this season.

Cardiff 1-0 Brentford
Last Updated: 29/09/12 - 17:04



David Marshall's superb performance clinched a 1-0 win for Cardiff against Brentford.

The Scottish international earned the man of the match honours after a virtuoso display in the Bluebirds goal. John Goossens' first-half strike proved enough for Nils Johan Semb's side to claim three points against high-flying Brentford, who were unbeaten in four games. The Bees slip to fourth in the Championship after their first defeat since August, while Cardiff vault into fifteenth place. The hosts managed to shackle in-form striker Osarimen Ebagua to end his prolific run of goals and defended resolutely throughout.

Brentford were riding high after dumping Norwich out of the Capital One Cup in midweek and a free-flowing move in the opening stages was the hallmark of a team brimming with confidence. Tommy Rowe robbed Stephen McPhail and weaved through the Cardiff midfield, gliding down the left flank and carving out an excellent opportunity for Ebagua. The Italian striker blasted the ball towards the top corner but Marshall produced a brilliant save to brush the shot over the bar. Dave Edwards also hit the woodwork for the Bees.

Goossens claimed the winning goal in the thirty-seventh minute. Paul Quinn's deep cross caught out the Brentford defence and the Dutch midfielder produced a half-volleyed finish at the far post that flew past Richard Lee. After the break, Marshall was at it again, parrying clear substitute Benik Afobe's header and holding Ebagua's effort. Harry Forrester nearly levelled at the death after Stefan Velev picked the winger out in the area. Marshall made another crucial save, getting a firm hand to Forrester's strike to seal the win for Cardiff.

John Goossens (37)

Swansea 0-3 Brentford
Last Updated: 02/10/12 - 21:32



Osarimen Ebagua continued his lethal form with a hat-trick against Swansea.

Newly-promoted Brentford claimed victory at the Liberty Stadium as Swansea's slow start to life back in the Championship continued. Ebagua is now the league's top scorer after claiming his first treble for the Bees, who maintain the pressure on the top two after five wins in their opening nine matches. The Italian walked off with the match ball after an electrifying performance for Gianfranco Zola's side. After failing to score in his opening five appearances for Brentford, Ebagua now has eleven goals in the last six games.

Zola has heaped praise on his side's confident performances and the Bees dominated the game against a flat Swansea side. Moreira made an excellent save from Dave Edwards in the ninth minute but Brentford always looked likely to make the breakthrough. Ebagua put the away side in front in the twenty-third minute, capitalising on a dreadful backpass from Alexandru Ionita with an assured finish. The former Torino striker claimed a second within six minutes, racing onto Joe Dudgeon's long ball and driving the ball past the goalkeeper.

Slovenian striker David Bunderla endured a torrid time up front for Kevin Bond's side and spurned two easy chances by missing the target. Darryl Westlake's blocked Alan Tate's effort on the line before Ebagua extinguished any hopes for the Welsh side. His third goal was the pick of the bunch. Ebagua played an intelligent one-two with Dale Stephens and stormed into the box to drill the ball past Moreira. The Swans goalkeeper denied him a fourth goal before Ferrie Bodde hit the crossbar late on for the hosts.


Osarimen Ebagua (23, 29, 58)

Brentford 4-2 Brighton
Last Updated: 06/10/12 - 16:58



Osarimen Ebagua's brace captured three points for Brentford in a pulsating game against Brighton.

Two of the highest-scoring sides in the Championship went head-to-head at Griffin Park and it was a predictably action-packed game. Karleigh Osborne and Dave Edwards put high-flying Brentford ahead but Brighton threatened to draw level after Craig Mackail-Smith's strike. Ebagua continued his fabulous run of form with two second-half goals, either side of Gary Dicker's reply for the Seagulls. The newly-promoted Bees move into third place in the table after picking up their sixth win of the opening ten games.

Gianfranco Zola's side are in excellent form and Osborne looked to have set Brentford on the way to another win in the eighth minute when he nodded in Stefan Velev's corner at the near post. Casper Ankergren denied the prolific Ebagua before Edwards doubled the lead in the twenty-third minute. The on-loan Wolves man has settled in quickly in West London and claimed his third goal of the season when Ankergren flapped at Mark Beevers' header. The ball dropped straight to the Welshman's feet and he blasted it into the roof of the net.

Mackail-Smith pulled a goal back nine minutes later. Beevers headed away Charlie Daniels' corner but the Scottish international picked the ball up on the edge of the box and bent a spectacular effort past Richard Lee. Ankergren redeemed himself by saving Jonathan Douglas' long-range strike but Ebagua pushed Brentford further ahead after the break, slipping through a gap in the defence to drive home Edwards' through ball. Brighton were reduced to ten men after Donovan Slijngaard's red card but the Seagulls still weren't out of the game.

Gary Dicker glanced Ryan Harley's free-kick into the back of the net but the travelling side faced an uphill battle to equalise with a one-man disadvantage. Two superb tackles from Darryl Westlake moments apart managed to prevent Mackail-Smith from converting after Ashley Barnes' clever pass but Ebagua finally staved off Dave Jones' side in the eighty-ninth minute. Velev claimed his second assist of the game from another inch-perfect set piece. Ebagua beat Lewis Dunk at the near post to head home his tenth goal in ten appearances.

Karleigh Osborne (8), Dave Edwards (23), Osarimen Ebagua (68, 89)
Craig Mackail-Smith (32), Gary Dicker (83)

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Brentford 1-0 Hull
Last Updated: 20/10/12 - 17:03



Brentford claimed a third consecutive win thanks to Paddy Madden's second-half goal against Hull.

With top scorer Osarimen Ebagua sidelined due to a minor knock picked up in training, Benik Afobe started as a lone striker for the Bees but also hobbled off in the first half, handing Madden the chance to shine and secure all three points for Gianfranco Zola's side with the only goal. Newly-promoted Brentford remain in third place but are now just two points away from the summit of the Championship. An impressive defensive performance from the Bees froze out Hull, who arrived at Griffin Park following four league wins in a row.

Kenny Jackett's men have kept just one clean sheet this season and nearly fell behind in the opening five minutes. Brentford captain Jonathan Douglas picked out Joe Dudgeon's darting run into the left channel and the former Hull defender tested Stephen Bywater with a swerving low shot. The Tigers mainly threatened Richard Lee from distance and both Corry Evans and Tom Cairney sent shots just over the crossbar. Afobe limped off injured in the thirty-eighth minute after a full-blooded challenge from Paul McShane left the striker wincing.

Madden looked determined to seize upon his unexpected opportunity and the young Irishman immediately forced Bywater into a diving save after he was sent clear on goal by a great ball from Stefan Velev. Madden claimed the winner in the fifty-fourth minute in a trademark counter-attacking move. Tommy Rowe stole the ball from Billy Jones and sprinted down the wing, before slipping the ball inside for the striker. The former Carlisle man raced into the box and hammered his first league goal of the season into the back of the net off the bar.

Paddy Madden (54)

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