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Taz.
CHESTERFIELD 1-0 BRENTFORD
Sat 19 Nov - 15:00 - B2net Stadium
Leigh Bromby's winner saw Brentford beaten for just the second time this season away at Chesterfield.
Gianfranco Zola's side were made to pay for some poor finishing as the Spireites claimed three points thanks to Bromby's second-half goal. The Bees took sixteen shots but registered just four on target. Newly-promoted Chesterfield climb to second place in League One, four points behind Brentford after a solid defensive performance. Zola threw men forward in the closing stages to chase a point but the Bees lost for the first time in five games, their last defeat coming against Charlton back in October.
The result will be particularly painful for Bees fans after a first half where Zola's men looked in control. Harry Forrester screwed the ball wide after Donaldson's long ball set him free on the right channel and the in-form Ludovic Gamboa continued to pose a threat on the left wing. He carved out a fine chance for Donaldson to nod over the bar with a superb cross before the Frenchman himself narrowly missed the target after breaking clean through on goal. Spireites goalkeeper Tommy Lee also did well to push away Stefan Velev's low, driven effort.
It was a similar story after the break as Gamboa was left red-faced after missing an open goal. Forrester's pleas for a penalty were then ignored by referee Andy D'Urso after the tricky winger was brought down in the area by Bromby. Chesterfield began to grow into the game slowly and Richard Lee brushed Dwayne Mattis' long-range effort over the crossbar. On-loan Watford defender Bromby powered a header past the Bees keeper with seventeen minutes remaining from Danny Whitaker's corner, stealing all three points to Zola's frustration.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Douglas (Saunders 73), Diagouraga - Forrester (Grella 52), Velev, Gamboa (Weston 70) - Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, O'Connor.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 0-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
Sat 26 Nov - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Neither side could break the deadlock at Griffin Park as Brentford held Sheffield United to a goalless draw.
The battle between two of League One's most in-form teams ended in an anti-climax thanks to two well-drilled defences. Gianfranco Zola handed Yassin El Azzouzi a return to the side following an injury that had sidelined him since September but the French striker endured a frustrating afternoon before being replaced by Mike Grella at half time. Chesterfield's win against Stevenage means that the Bees fall off the top of the table for the first time in over two months and lie a point behind the Spireites.
Sheffield United had the best chance of the first half as on-loan Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor sent a free kick crashing just over the crossbar. Kevin McDonald then set Jamie Mackie clean through on goal but Richard Lee denied Mackie's powerful strike with an excellent reflex save. The Bees struggled to impose themselves on the game in the opening forty five minutes and Clayton Donaldson had the only real chance for Zola's side after robbing Matthew Lowton and firing straight at visiting goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
The energetic Grella brought some extra verve to Brentford's attack after the break and the American striker combined well with Donaldson in the fifty-first minute. Grella played a clever flick for his strike partner but Donaldson clipped the ball wide. Marcel Eger made a crucial tackle to rob the ball from Richard Cresswell in the box and Grella could have claimed all three points in the third minute of injury time. Ludovic Gamboa broke down the left flank and found him free in the box but Simonsen smothered Grella's snatched effort.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Douglas, O'Connor - Donaldson (Forrester 63), Velev (Diagouraga 82), Gamboa - El Azzouzi (Grella 45).
Substitutes: Moore, Woodman.
Taz.
Zola stays calm despite wobble
Last Updated: 26/11/11 - 6.57pm
Gianfranco Zola has urged Brentford not to lose faith despite their recent slip-ups.
The Bees have fallen off the top spot in League One after taking one point from the last two games. Brentford are now a point behind Chesterfield in second place after nineteen games. Zola's men have enjoyed an impressive start to the season but a defeat against the Spireites last weekend and today's goalless draw against Sheffield United have raised doubts about their title challenge. The former West Ham boss insisted that his side were here to stay in the race for promotion in his post-match interview.
"We are in a fantastic position," the forty five year old told Sky Sports. "People may talk about last week or even today but the performances have been solid, we've just not taken our chances. We have tried to tighten things up at the back and I thought we defended really well today. Sheffield United are the promotion favourites and I think they had five Premier League players in that team. You have to look at things rationally, look at the budgets and experience. We have a good run of games coming up and the lads should not worry."
Brentford captain Kevin O'Connor limped off against the Blades clutching his foot and the Irishman was confirmed to have suffered a twisted ankle in the aftermath of the game. O'Connor completed ninety minutes but he is likely to spend the next six weeks on the sidelines. Yassin El Azzouzi managed forty five minutes on his return from a hip injury and Zola is likely to ease the striker back into the starting line-up. The Frenchman could feature in Tuesday's game against Swindon in the Football League Trophy.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-0 SWINDON
Tues 29 Nov - 19:45 - Griffin Park
Wembley could be just two games away after Brentford eased past Swindon in the Football League Trophy.
The Football League's two Italian coaches went head-to-head and it was Gianfranco Zola that came out on top against Paolo Di Canio's side in the southern area semi-final. Clayton Donaldson opened the scoring before Yassin El Azzouzi's first goal since his return from injury sealed a place in the area final against Stevenage. Swindon are currently top of League Two but a professional display from the Bees ensured a place in the next round and a possible chance to avenge last year's defeat to Carlisle at Wembley.
After failing to win either of their last two games, Brentford came flying out of the traps and Harry Forrester tested visiting goalkeeper Elliot Parish in the first minute as he drifted in from the right flank. Stefan Velev cracked a shot off the post after the Bulgarian midfielder drove into the Swindon box and El Azzouzi should have done better after weaving through the defence only to fire wide. Donaldson finally gave the Bees the lead in the thirty-sixth minute, slipping behind his marker and sliding El Azzouzi's through ball into the back of the net.
Zola's side once again hit the woodwork just before the break as El Azzouzi raced onto Marcel Eger's long ball. The Frenchman bore down on Parish but could only smash his shot against the foot of the post. He finally got on the scoresheet three minutes after half time as Shaleum Logan found El Azzouzi in the box. The striker turned and audaciously curled the ball into the back of the net from an acute angle. Donaldson had a late strike ruled out for a foul on Simon Ferry as the Bees comfortably progressed to the next round.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Eger, Dickson (Legge 60) - Forrester (Trotta 76), Diagouraga, Velev, Gamboa (Saunders 85) - El Azzouzi, Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, Grella.
Taz.
ALDERSHOT 1-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 03 Dec - 17:30 - The Recreation Ground
Brentford will require a replay to progress in the FA Cup after late drama against Aldershot.
The League Two outfit sent the Bees packing at the first hurdle last season and the Shots proved to be a thorn in Brentford's side once again in the second round. Jonathan Douglas was sent off in the second half for Gianfranco Zola's men but Clayton Donaldson's goal three minutes from time looked to have finally overcame a resilient home side. Danny Hylton's equaliser a minute later means that the Bees will welcome Aldershot to Griffin Park in eleven days' time in a replay, adding to an already congested schedule of fixtures.
Aldershot began the game in confident fashion after thumping Hereford in the first round and Richard Lee had to be at his acrobatic best to deny the hosts in the opening stages. The Bees goalkeeper smothered Bradley Bubb's effort before making a superb diving save to push Manny Panther's shot around the post. Darryl Westlake returned from injury and the right-back almost claimed a rare goal in the thirty-ninth minute. Ludovic Gamboa swung a free kick into the box but Westlake's glancing header was held by Jamie Young.
Yassin El Azzouzi had a goal ruled out for offside on the hour before Douglas was dismissed nine minutes later. The Irishman hacked down Shots midfielder Jamie Collins and earned a straight red card. Donaldson looked to have sent Brentford through to the third round in the eighty-seventh minute when he seized on Stefan Velev's chipped pass and curled the ball past Young but Aldershot were level within forty seconds. Henrik Breimyr spotted Hylton charging in from the left flank and his speculative shot whistled into the back of the net.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Logan, Douglas
Substitutes: Moore, Woodman, Legge, Trotta.
Taz.
ROCHDALE 3-4 BRENTFORD
Sat 10 Dec - 15:00 - Spotland
Karleigh Osborne scored a remarkable hat-trick as Brentford won a thriller against Rochdale.
An incredible match at Spotland saw the Bees come back from behind on three occasions as centre-back Osborne bagged his first-ever treble. Ashley Grimes was the first to put Rochdale ahead and Stern John's brace in the second half also twice restored the home side's advantage. Osborne had a reply for all three before Yassin El Azzouzi stole all three points in the final minute. The breathless win means that the Bees maintain the pressure on leaders Chesterfield, who are one point ahead of Gianfranco Zola's side.
Brentford looked to be on course for a dismal afternoon as in-form winger Ludovic Gamboa was stretchered off at Spotland before Dale took the lead after half an hour. Joe Widdowson whipped in a cross from the left flank and Grimes diverted the ball past Richard Lee, who was visibly irritated by the Bees' poor marking. Osborne grabbed his first of the afternoon to equalise five minutes later. Stefan Velev supplied the corner and the centre-back outmuscled Jason Kennedy in the air to nod the ball into the back of the net.
Rochdale began the second half well and a neat passing move between Nicky Adams and Gary Jones culminated in John rifling the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The Bees remained resilient and again levelled with their next real opportunity. Harry Forrester's pinpoint delivery from the corner was met by Osborne, who rose like a salmon and glanced it past goalkeeper Jake Kean. The game swung the opposite way just two minutes later as veteran striker John put Rochdale back in front once again in dubious circumstances.
The Trinidadian international barged Marcel Eger off the ball and slotted it past Lee to the complaints of the Brentford players. The Bees looked set for a defeat but Osborne completed his hat-trick in the eighty-first minute to make it 3-3. Eger flicked on Sam Saunders' corner into his path and Osborne bundled the ball over the line to his delight. There was still more drama to come as Saunders broke down the pitch in injury time and squared it to El Azzouzi. The striker took a touch and swept the ball past Kean to claim a heart-stopping win.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Dickson - Diagouraga, Velev - Donaldson (Trotta 62), Forrester (Saunders 76), Gamboa (Logan 27) - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Woodman.
Ipswich Knights
Taz.
Taz.
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Taz.
Bees defender savours hat-trick
Last Updated: 10/12/11 - 7.29pm
Brentford centre-back Karleigh Osborne admitted his disbelief after scoring his first professional hat-trick.
Osborne has been a menace from set pieces for the Bees this season but few could have expected his three-goal haul against Rochdale as Brentford won a breathtaking game with a last-minute goal from Yassin El Azzouzi. The twenty three year old twice headed in from corners before poking home a third in the eighty-first minute at Spotland, taking him to an impressive tally of seven goals so far this season. The defender spoke to Sky Sports after his side's victory and couldn't quite believe his goalscoring record.
"I feel absolutely speechless," said the Brentford youth product, who had scored just six goals in seven years prior to this year's campaign. "I never thought I'd be the one walking off with the match ball, it was a surreal moment for me. We've worked a lot on set pieces in training, the manager is very keen for us to perfect a routine and it's a good way to get goals. I've got a few this season which I'm delighted with but a hat-trick is something else. It was an unbelievable game and I'm so glad that Yassin won it for us at the end."
Ludovic Gamboa was stretchered off in the first half and it was confirmed after the match that the Frenchman will be sidelined for two months. Gamboa sustained knee ligament damage and joins a long injury list at Griffin Park. Trevor Trevisan, Niall McGinn, Mike Grella and Bees captain Kevin O'Connor are all currently out of action and boss Gianfranco Zola admitted in his post-match interview that he was concerned that injuries are continuing to affect his side's performances following their first win in three league games.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 1-2 ALDERSHOT
Wed 14 Dec - 19:45 - Griffin Park
Aldershot dumped Brentford out of the FA Cup for the second consecutive season.
It was another frustrating day for the Bees in the second round replay and despite having six shots on target to the visitors' three efforts and dominating the game, Aldershot came from behind to secure a trip to Championship side Doncaster in the third round. Yassin El Azzouzi had given Gianfranco Zola's side the lead but Danny Hylton once again produced a quickfire equaliser. Manny Panther's second-half strike sealed a surprise win for the Shots, who sent Brentford packing in the first round last season.
Zola will mourn his side's inability to finish several good chances in the first half. Harry Forrester spurned a great opportunity after just five minutes. Darryl Westlake broke swiftly down the right and produced a fine cross for the winger, who was in plenty of space but nodded the ball over the bar. Marcello Trotta went one better as his strike crashed off the woodwork before some heroic defending from Ben Herd prevented El Azzouzi's follow-up from crossing the line. Clayton Donaldson also shot wide after sprinting clear of the Shots defence.
El Azzouzi gave the Bees the lead in the twenty-fourth minute, stabbing Forrester's cross past Jamie Young. Hylton earned Aldershot a replay in the first tie and he levelled just four minutes later as the striker headed in Jamie Collins' corner. Trotta again had a near miss at the start of the second half before Panther stunned the Bees. Bradley Bubb laid the ball off for the midfielder, who drove the ball home from the edge of the box. Young superbly denied Trotta and Myles Weston in the final ten minutes to claim an unlikely victory.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Eger, Woodman (Dickson 68) - Donaldson, Diagouraga, Velev, Forrester (Weston 81) - El Azzouzi, Trotta
(Saunders 89).
Substitutes: Moore, Logan, Legge, Blake.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-0 LEYTON ORIENT
Sat 17 Dec - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford recovered from their mid-week FA Cup disappointment with an easy win over Leyton Orient.
The Bees welcomed their rivals from East London to Griffin Park on a freezing winter afternoon and secured a comfortable victory thanks to goals from Karleigh Osborne and Stefan Velev. The Bulgarian midfielder ran the show for Gianfranco Zola's men and captured the man of the match award to go with his injury-time strike, his first goal since August. Brentford remain one point behind league leaders Chesterfield in a tense battle at the top of the table, with third-placed side Preston trailing the Bees by two points.
It was a nervy start for Zola's side as Orient threatened in the early stages. Jonathan Téhoué was the dangerman for the visitors and Richard Lee produced a brilliant save to deny the French striker, who scooped the rebound over the crossbar. Dean Cox also tested the Bees stopper but Lee swept the midfielder's effort up into his clutches. Yassin El Azzouzi combined with partner Clayton Donaldson to cause havoc in the Orient defence and Donaldson would have broke the deadlock if it hadn't been for David Button's smart stop.
Osborne headed Brentford into the lead from Sam Saunders' corner as the snow fell and the Bees went into the break ahead. Despite the -2°C temperatures, Zola's men looked keen to pour forward and Button was the only man stopping a deluge of goals in the second half. He twisted in mid-air to prevent a Scott Cuthbert own goal and when Myles Weston met Donaldson's low cross with a toe-poke, Button swooped low to palm the ball away. Velev finally tied things up with a stunning twenty-five yard free kick in stoppage time.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake (Logan 75), Osborne, Legge, Dickson - Saunders (Eger 78), Diagouraga, Velev, Forrester (Weston 65) - Donaldson, El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Trotta.
Dan
Taz.
YEOVIL 1-1 BRENTFORD
Mon 26 Dec - 15:00 - Huish Park
Billy Gibson's second-half equaliser denied Brentford a Boxing Day win against high-flying Yeovil.
Harry Forrester gave Brentford the lead in the first half but the Bees failed to muster any serious threat in the second half, allowing the hosts to level after the break through Gibson and claim a point. Chesterfield's defeat against Sheffield United means that the Bees end the year locked in a three-way tie at the top of League One. Gianfranco Zola's side would have returned to first place with a win but Preston's victory over Tranmere ensures they remain second on goal difference, with all three sides level on fifty points.
Yeovil have enjoyed a strong start to the season after being tipped for relegation and the Glovers looked dangerous. Richard Lee turned Gavin Williams' effort around the post after Ed Upson picked out the Welsh international. Gibson also forced the Bees goalkeeper into an early save after meeting Alan O'Brien's cross with a powerful volley. Stefan Velev tested on-loan Chelsea stopper Jamal Blackman before Forrester gave Brentford a twentieth-minute lead, slotting past Blackman after running onto Clayton Donaldson's well-placed through ball.
Stand-in skipper Jonathan Douglas fired narrowly wide with a speculative effort after the break before Yeovil grabbed an equaliser in the fifty-sixth minute. O'Brien whipped in a pinpoint delivery for Gibson to rise above Ryan Dickson and head in at the far post. The home side had two decent chances to claim victory in the final ten minutes. Lee came to Zola's rescue by getting a hand to Steve MacLean's effort with the striker clear on goal and substitute Curtis Haynes-Brown smashed the ball wide after robbing Toumani Diagouraga.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas, Diagouraga - Forrester (Saunders 86), Velev, Weston (Logan 75) - Donaldson
(El Azzouzi 45).
Substitutes: Moore, Legge.
Taz.
Zola ponders January additions
Last Updated: 27/12/11 - 9.23am
Brentford boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he is likely to bolster his squad in January.
Zola's side are currently second in League One on goal difference but the Italian remains keen to improve the team when the transfer window reopens on Sunday. Trevor Trevisan returned from injury against Yeovil yesterday but the Bees still have several injury concerns, especially in midfield. Ludovic Gamboa is expected to be sidelined until mid-February, while Niall McGinn is still out of action after tearing his calf muscle against Colchester back in October. Striker Mike Grella is also still recovering from a back injury.
"It would be foolish to disrupt the team," the forty five year old said. "We aren't going to chop and change too much but we have had a lot of bad luck with injuries. We could use some extra depth in the squad. I'm delighted with how things are going but we have a lot of difficult games coming up over the next month. I have spoken with the owner and the sporting director Mark Warburton and we've come up with a few ideas. We want people that are going to fit into the style of football that we're trying to play."
Brentford spent over £500,000 in the summer as lifelong Bees fan and betting entrepreneur Matthew Benham took charge of the club. They remain the division's biggest spenders and summer arrivals Yassin El Azzouzi, Ludovic Gamboa and Stefan Velev have enjoyed particularly strong starts to their time at Griffin Park. Grella's injury and loanee Marcello Trotta's return to his parent club Fulham could mean the signing of another striker to offer competition with El Azzouzi and Clayton Donaldson up front.
Dan
Taz.
Taz.
EXETER 0-4 BRENTFORD
Mon 2 Jan - 15:00 - St. James Park
Yassin El Azzouzi scored a hat-trick as Brentford produced a merciless display away at Exeter.
The Frenchman was in lethal form against a woeful home side and the Bees could have easily scored more if it hadn't been for the saves of Exeter goalkeeper Artur Krysiak. El Azzouzi scored twice in the first fifteen minutes before completing his hat-trick late in the second half. Clayton Donaldson also bagged a goal as Brentford sent out a warning to their title rivals. Gianfranco Zola's side remain second in League One behind Preston but established a two-point lead over third-placed Chesterfield after the Spireites drew at Yeovil.
The Bees came roaring into the game and required just three minutes to go ahead. Billy Clifford was judged to have handled the ball from a Donaldson throw and referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot. Krysiak almost got a hand to El Azzouzi's shot but the ball nestled in the bottom right corner. The Polish goalkeeper acrobatically denied Harry Forrester before El Azzouzi struck once again in the fifteenth minute. Donaldson robbed Troy Archibald-Henville and cut the ball back for his fellow striker to calmly punish the Grecians' sluggish defence.
The third goal arrived in the twenty-first minute and Exeter must have feared that they were on the way to an absolute thrashing. Donaldson got in on the act with a powerful half-volley from Forrester's corner. An inspired display from Krysiak after the break kept the score respectable. The Grecians stopper turned Forrester's strike around the post before diving almsot the full width of the goal to push away another Donaldson effort. El Azzouzi sealed the match ball in the eighty-fifth minute by nodding home from a Stefan Velev free-kick.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake (Logan 77), Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas, Diagouraga (O'Connor 59) - Donaldson, Velev, Forrester (Weston 83) - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Saunders.
Taz.
BEES BRING IN DEFENSIVE DUO
Published: Sun 06 Jan 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford have completed the signings of centre-back Mark Beevers and defensive midfielder Philipp Netzer.
Beevers has joined the club from League One rivals Sheffield Wednesday on a three-and-a-half-year deal running until 2015. The twenty two year old has spent most of the season so far on loan at Milton Keynes Dons before returning to Hillsborough at the start of the month. Brentford agreed a fee of around £25,000 with the Owls to sign the former England youth international, who made over one hundred and twenty appearances for the club after coming through Wednesday's academy. He will wear the number twenty four shirt.
Boss Gianfranco Zola has also snapped up defensive midfielder Netzer in a deal worth £35,000. The Austrian was spotted by sporting director Mark Warburton playing for second-tier side SCR Altach in his homeland and he has put pen to paper on a contract running until 2015. The twenty six year old impressed the Bees scouting programme with his intelligent reading of the game and committed style of play. Netzer had been ever-present for Altach this season and also chipped in with two goals and five assists in his twenty five appearances.
"I think we've signed two stand-out players for this level," Warburton told the official site. "Mark has a bright future and substantial experience of playing in the Championship despite his young age. He's looked very dependable for MK Dons this season and I think he lends our defence much-needed strength in depth. Philipp is a player that we've watched a lot over the last few months and his ability to start off a move is something that we particularly like. We've had a few discussions about the squad and we'll keep talking over the next few weeks."
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Taz.
BRENTFORD 4-0 SCUNTHORPE
Wed 11 Jan - 19:45 - Griffin Park
A flurry of goals after the break captured a second emphatic victory in a row for Brentford.
Gianfranco Zola's side were handed a rest after Saturday's game against Huddersfield was postponed and the Bees looked full of energy as they cruised past Scunthorpe and earned a second straight 4-0 win. Zola will count the costs of injuries to Jonathan Douglas, Mike Grella and Yassin El Azzouzi but an impressive display means that his side are now just a point behind leaders Preston with a game in hand. Eddie Nolan's own goal was followed in the second half by efforts from Trevor Trevisan, El Azzouzi and Karleigh Osborne.
Clayton Donaldson hit the bar in the first half after El Azzouzi scampered down the wing on the counter but it required an own goal in first-half stoppage time for the Bees to go ahead. After losing Mike Grella to an injury sustained in a nasty collision with Niall Canavan, Shaleum Logan stepped onto the pitch as Zola reshuffled his side and the speedy utility man soon made an impact. Logan outpaced Bobby Grant and whipped in a low cross. Nolan's failure to control the ball saw it bounce off his shin past Josh Lillis and into his own net.
El Azzouzi then hit the woodwork after the Frenchman rattled the post five minutes after the break. Lillis fumbled Osborne's header and Trevisan reacted quickest to poke the ball over the line in the fifty-fifth minute, claiming his third goal of the season. Seven minutes later, Stefan Velev's clever flick released El Azzouzi, who raced clear and slotted home. He limped off in the closing stages after Cliff Byrne's heavy challenge but Brentford's ten men were still not finished and claimed a fourth when Osborne nodded in Harry Forrester's corner.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Donaldson (Weston 61), Douglas (O'Connor 6), Velev, Forrester - Grella (Logan 33), El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Beevers.
Taz.
COLUMN: Zola must use January wisely
The January transfer window could be make or break for an injury-hit Brentford side.
Gianfranco Zola has enjoyed a prodigious start to life at Griffin Park but with the Bees just a point off the top of League One, the likeable boss must face up to the risk of injuries derailing his side's progress. Jonathan Douglas, Mike Grella and the influential Yassin El Azzouzi were all forced off in last night's demolition of Scunthorpe and Zola has to take the chance to strengthen his squad. A couple of important additions could be the difference between a place in the Championship and the lottery of the play-offs.
Brentford have a commanding thirteen-point lead over fourth-placed MK Dons but there seems little point in taking the chance that the Bees' threadbare squad will last the season, especially given the deep pockets of owner Matthew Benham. Few would have thought before this season that third place would be a disappointment but Brentford's backup players have looked vulnerable when asked to stand in and missing out on a promotion spot could mean Zola and his backroom staff's excellent work this season counts for nothing.
The departure of centre-back Leon Legge to Bury for £20,000 this morning means the loss of another rotation option. Zola has done well to bring in Mark Beevers and Philipp Netzer already during the window but an extra goal-hungry striker to compete with El Azzouzi, Grella and top scorer Clayton Donaldson could be what secures Brentford the title. They must also avoid burnout with a hectic run of fixtures to come over the month. It is clear that there are some very important decisions to be made behind the scenes for the Bees.
Taz.
STEVENAGE 0-2 BRENTFORD
Tues 17 Jan - 19:45 - Broadhall Way
Brentford took a massive step towards Wembley in the first leg of the Football League Trophy area final.
Harry Forrester and Stefan Velev were on the scoresheet as the Bees easily overcame Stevenage at Broadhall Way in front of the television cameras. Gianfranco Zola's side restricted the hosts to just one shot on target in a calm and hard-working away performance. Clayton Donaldson earned the man of the match award as the top scorer turned provider for both goals. Brentford will welcome Boro to Griffin Park in three weeks' time as strong favourites to earn a spot in the final at Wembley for the second season in a row.
Donaldson has been in great form this season and almost claimed his fifteenth goal of the season in the third minute. His explosive pace carried him past Ronnie Henry as both players raced to get to Toumani Diagouraga's through ball but his shot flashed just wide of the post. Richard Lee denied Lawrie Wilson's effort but the Bees appeared to be firmly on top in the first half. Forrester was left shaking his head in disbelief as he missed an open goal when Donaldson presented him with an easy chance before Velev sent a long-range effort over.
The tricky winger made up for his miss in the forty-fourth minute. Donaldson swung in a cross and Forrester leapt into the air unchallenged. Chris Day got a palm to it but the speed of the bullet header was too much for the Stevenage goalkeeper. Velev doubled the lead in the second half. Donaldson weaved his way to the byline and cut the ball back for the Bulgarian midfielder, who swept it first-time into the back of the net. Day denied Forrester again in the closing stages as Brentford put one foot in the final of the competition.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson (Woodman 84) - Diagouraga, O'Connor (Saunders 76) - Forrester, Velev, Weston (Logan 67) - Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, Eger.
Taz.
TRANMERE 0-2 BRENTFORD
Sat 21 Jan - 15:00 - Prenton Park
Ten-man Brentford survived Karleigh Osborne's dismissal to claim three points at struggling Tranmere.
An eventful game at Prenton Park saw two missed penalties in the first half. Andy Robinson's effort from the spot cleared the crossbar before Clayton Donaldson hit the post. Donaldson immediately redeemed himself with the opening goal before referee Lee Probert showed Osborne a straight red in the second half. Stefan Velev sealed Brentford's third consecutive league win as the Bees increased their lead over third-placed Chesterfield to six points. Gianfranco Zola's men are currently four points behind leaders Preston with two games in hand.
Tranmere have been in the relegation zone since September but the hosts were presented with a chance to take the lead in the tenth minute. Osborne caught Robinson in the area and Probert pointed the spot. The veteran dusted himself off to take the penalty but blazed it into the stands. Brentford kept Owain fon Williams occupied and the Welsh goalkeeper did well to parry Donaldson's effort. Harry Forrester was the man to supply the opening goal. He skipped down the right flank and slid the ball into the box for Donaldson to sweep home.
Four minutes later, Donaldson stepped up to take the penalty after Ian Goodison brought down Velev but he smashed the spot kick off the post. Tranmere were given some renewed hope of a point after the break when Osborne was sent off for hacking down Lucas Akins but Zola reshuffled and introduced Trevor Trevisan to bring some added steel to the backline. Fon Williams just managed to brush Sam Saunders' header over the bar before Velev capped off the win with a low drive from the edge of the box in the eighty-second minute.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne
Substitutes: Moore, Woodman.
Taz.
MADDEN ON THE MOVE
Published: Tues 24 Jan 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford are pleased to confirm the signing of striker Paddy Madden on a four-year deal.
The Irish youth international has put pen to paper on a contract running until 2015 with the club after the Bees agreed a fee of around £130,000 with Carlisle United. Madden has scored an impressive eleven goals in twenty six games this season. The twenty one year old's prolific form for the Cumbrians alerted Brentford head coach Gianfranco Zola, who believes that the former Bohemians youngster has what it takes to challenge the likes of top scorer Clayton Donaldson and Yassin El Azzouzi for a spot in the starting line-up.
"We have had Paddy in our minds for a while," the Bees boss told the official site. "Matthew, Mark and I have been very impressed with his performances for Carlisle. I think he has a bright future and he can offer us a different option in attack. He's got a good spark to his play, he loves to run at opponents and he's got the sort of fearless, direct style of play that I like in young players. I think he will fit into the squad well and there will be opportunities for him over the next few months with the injuries that we have currently."
"The opportunity to work with an absolute footballing legend like the gaffer is something that I knew I couldn't turn down," Madden added as he was presented with the number nineteen shirt. "This is a great chance for me to develop as a player, there's some fantastic strikers in this team and I think I can work well with them and learn a lot. I can't wait to get my head down and start scoring some goals for Brentford. We're in a great position in the league and if I can help us get promoted then I'll be over the moon."
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BRENTFORD 2-0 NOTTS COUNTY
Sat 28 Jan - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford kept a fifth consecutive clean sheet as two second-half goals secured victory over Notts County.
The Bees have enjoyed a superb start to 2012 and collected a fifth straight win against the fourteenth-placed visitors. Goals from Clayton Donaldson and Trevor Trevisan mean that Gianfranco Zola's side have collected the maximum fifteen points this month, which has seen the Bees establish a commanding nine-point lead over third-placed Chesterfield. After a tightly-contested first half that saw Niall McGinn make his return from injury, Brentford turned on the style after the break to see off former Bees boss Martin Allen's men.
Paddy Madden made his debut for Zola's men and the Irishman was the focal point of the Bees' attacking moves in the opening forty five minutes. The in-form striker has scored eleven goals so far this season and he almost had a dream start at Griffin Park. Donaldson set Madden free in the box after combining well with Jonathan Douglas but the youngster fired over the crossbar. The visitors had their best chance of the half when a weighted pass from Neal Bishop found Nathaniel Mendez-Laing free in the box, only for him to miss the target.
It took just six minutes of the second half for Zola's side to open the scoring. Darryl Westlake picked out Madden, who played an inch-perfect through ball for Donaldson to rifle past ex-Bees stopper Stuart Nelson. Donaldson hit the woodwork minutes later in search of his seventeenth goal of the season. Mendez-Laing again squandered a good chance for the away side but the Bees shut up shop in the final ten minutes and Trevisan extinguished any hopes of a comeback by powering in a header from Shaleum Logan's corner.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Beevers, Trevisan, Dickson - McGinn (Logan 39), Douglas, Velev, Forrester (Weston 72) - Madden (Diagouraga 80), Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, O'Connor.
Taz.
TAYLOR TOUCHES DOWN
Published: Tues 31 Jan 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford can confirm the signing of Tranmere Rovers defender Ash Taylor in a £70,000 move.
The Bees obtained Football League clearance for the twenty year old this morning, concluding deadline day with the arrival of the talented utility player. Taylor is capable of playing as a centre-back or central midfielder and was highly-rated by the setup at Prenton Park, making twenty four appearances so far this season. He has signed an eighteen-month deal with Brentford and will take the number twenty three shirt. The Welshman joined up with the squad today and could make his debut in tomorrow's game against Colchester.
"Ash is a dependable face at the back and exactly the type of player that we like," Brentford sporting director Mark Warburton told the official site. "He's young, English and with a little bit of an added dimension in his passing ability. We've placed a lot of importance on starting moves quickly from the backline this season and that's something that Ash is very capable of doing. It's a big move for him coming from Tranmere, he's been there since he was a young lad but I'm confident that he will settle in here and enjoy his football."
"It was a tough decision but I think it's the right one for me as a player," Taylor added as he became Gianfranco Zola's fourth signing of a busy January transfer window. "I grew up at Tranmere, I learnt a lot there and I will always keep an eye out for their results. Brentford offered me a great chance of Championship football next season and I want to make sure that we're there next year. I believe the club can keep getting better every season. There's a fantastic manager here and I'm looking forward to repaying his faith in me."
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BRENTFORD 2-2 COLCHESTER
Wed 1 Feb - 19:45 - Griffin Park
A late fightback from Colchester spoiled Brentford's winning run in a frustrating evening at Griffin Park.
Paddy Madden scored his first goal for the club to put the Bees ahead and a sixth consecutive win in all competitions looked to be on its way after Clayton Donaldson's seventeenth goal of the season doubled Gianfranco Zola's side's lead. Mid-table Colchester scored twice in the final thirteen minutes, firstly through John-Joe O'Toole before Ali Boussaboun's injury-time strike saw the Bees miss their opportunity to cut Preston's lead at the top of the table. Brentford remain three points off top spot with a game in hand.
Ahead of a busy schedule that includes three games in the next seven days, the Bees began the game on the back foot and Steven Gillespie shot narrowly wide after he was teed up by O'Toole. Former Feyenoord striker Boussaboun also had a shout for a penalty turned down by referee Keith Stroud. Madden enjoyed a promising debut against Notts County on Saturday and he bagged his first goal for Brentford in the fifteenth minute. Ludovic Gamboa capped his return from injury with a superb cross for Madden to flick past Ben Williams.
Colchester's front two continued to pose problems for Zola's defence and the Bees head coach had Richard Lee to thank for two impressive saves. He smothered Boussaboun's first effort before pulling off an athletic mid-air save to palm the Moroccan international's long-range effort over the crossbar. Brentford have excelled on the counter so far this season and another rapid transition from defence to attack brought the Bees' second. Harry Forrester raced down the right wing and curled in the ball for Donaldson to slide into the back of the net.
Zola's side were fortunate to go in with a comfortable lead but the Italian will have been irritated by the Bees' late collapse. O'Toole gave the U's a glimmer of hope in the seventy-seventh minute. Lee parried Boussaboun's effort into O'Toole's path and his follow-up deflected off Jonathan Douglas into the net. In the third minute of added time, Donaldson's poor clearance from a Lloyd James corner was seized upon by Boussaboun and the striker blasted in his seventeenth goal of the season to claim an unlikely point for the visitors.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Beevers, Trevisan, Dickson (Logan 86) - Forrester, O'Connor, Velev (Douglas 64), Gamboa (Netzer 78) - Madden, Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, Weston.
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BURY 1-0 BRENTFORD
Sat 4 Feb - 15:00 - Gigg Lane
Gary Alexander took revenge on Brentford as they slipped to defeat against bottom side Bury.
The Shakers dealt a blow to Brentford's title chances as former Bee Alexander's second-half effort ensured only a second win in nine games for the hosts, who remain at the foot at the table. Gianfranco Zola was left cursing his side's inability to find a way past a well-drilled Bury defence, marshalled by man of the match Leon Legge, who also left Griffin Park for Gigg Lane just two weeks ago. Second-placed Brentford are now six points behind leaders Preston, who claimed a comfortable win over fellow strugglers Hartlepool.
The defeat will particularly sting given Zola's side's dominance of the game. Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford was on hand to keep out the Bees on several occasions in the first half. Philipp Netzer was making his first start in a Brentford shirt and the Austrian midfielder tested Belford with a powerful strike after he latched onto Paddy Madden's long ball. Niall McGinn then robbed Legge of the ball on the edge of the box and cut the ball back for the onrushing Ludovic Gamboa. Belford got a firm hand to the Frenchman's effort and pushed it wide.
The Bees continued to pour forward before the home side landed an unexpected sucker punch two minutes into the second half. Alexander was the first player to depart under Zola but the powerful striker showed his capabilities by barging Ryan Dickson off the ball. Richard Lee was caught in no man's land and Alexander clipped the ball into the back of the net. Clayton Donaldson has been in fine form for the Bees this season but endured a trying afternoon and squandered two good chances to level late on in a game to forget for Brentford.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Beevers, Trevisan, Dickson - McGinn (Logan 78), Douglas, Netzer (Taylor 69), Gamboa (Forrester 67) - Donaldson, Madden.
Substitutes: Moore, O'Connor.
Taz.
Newcastle trail Zola in new manager search
06 February 2012 - 12.01PM GMT
Newcastle will turn to Gianfranco Zola if they cannot reach a deal with André Villas-Boas this week.
The Brentford manager has quickly emerged as the Premier League strugglers' backup option after their deal with the former Chelsea boss hit a stumbling block over wages. Newcastle sacked Alan Pardew last week with the Magpies lying at the foot of the Premier League. Zola has guided the Bees to second place in League One and is seen as the best alternative should owner Mike Ashley fail to reach a deal with Villas-Boas, who was axed by Chelsea in December after just six months at Stamford Bridge.
Villas-Boas became the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season last month but has indicated that he would be prepared to return to football as quickly as possible. The Portuguese coach was believed to earn around £125,000 per week at Chelsea and Ashley has baulked at offering similar terms on Tyneside. Pardew was the lowest-paid manager in the top flight prior to his departure and the reviled Magpies owner is likely to be keen on another cheap option. Zola reportedly takes home around £1,000 per week at Griffin Park.
There has been no comment from Brentford but owner Matthew Benham is believed to be keen to hang onto the former West Ham coach. Zola and sporting director Mark Warburton are both viewed as long-term appointments for the West London side after a superb start to the season, though the Italian is currently on a rolling contract that would require little compensation. The Bees are currently second in League One, six points clear of third place and looking good value for a return to the second tier for the first time since 1993.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 3-1 STEVENAGE
Wed 08 Feb - 19:45 - Griffin Park
Stevenage were no match for Brentford as the Bees secured a place at Wembley.
Gianfranco Zola's side picked up a crucial away victory in the first leg and made the best of their two-goal advantage, winning 3-1 at Griffin Park to progress to the final of the Football League Trophy for the second year in a row. An own goal from Stevenage defender Mark Roberts gave the Bees a first-half lead on the night and the advantage proved just too much for the visitors. Anthony McNamee pulled a goal back for the Boro after the break but late strikes from Myles Weston and Clayton Donaldson ensured a 5-1 aggregate victory.
After defeat to Carlisle in last year's final, the Bees looked eager to earn a second chance at glory and started the game brightly. Stevenage goalkeeper Alan Julian was forced into an acrobatic save when Donaldson sent a powerful effort flying towards the top corner and Stefan Velev's shot went wide after he was set free by Jonathan Douglas. Brentford went ahead in the twenty-eighth minute. Roberts made a sliding challenge on Donaldson as he shaped up to shoot but the ball slid along the snowy pitch, catching out Julian and drifting into the net.
Julian made amends for his error by denying Donaldson just before half time but facing a three-goal deficit, Stevenage needed a miracle to turn things around. In the seventy-fifth minute, McNamee latched onto Jon Ashton's through ball and drove the ball low under Richard Lee but Brentford firmly killed things off with two goals in the final ten minutes. Darryl Westlake's precise cross firstly allowed Weston to blast the ball home before the winger turned provider. Donaldson stabbed Weston's cross in at the near post to send the Bees to Wembley.
Match Details
Brentford
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas, O'Connor (Netzer 72) - Forrester (Logan 83), Velev, Gamboa (Weston 72) - Donaldson.
Substitutes: Moore, McGinn.