Debut Disasters

Brentford flopped at home tonight against a well organised Yeovil side.


The atmosphere before the game was one of excitement – with fans eager to see the new crop of stars earmarked to take us to the next level. Harlee Dean was absent from our squad – presumably injured.


At the final whistle, the mood had soured to abject disappointment after a calamitous night at Griffin Park


Uwe’s masterplan for the season revolves around a compact midfield diamond – but rarely can such a narrow formation have shown such a soft centre.


The Bees stumbled out of the blocks with loose passing a feature of our early play. As the game progressed we started to settle and Adam Forshaw – at the heart of our positive play – was denied after sending in a left footed fizzer.


Yeovil had worked hard and passed the ball well but took the lead through an absolutely shocking error – Tony Craig losing possession with a looped ball across his own box and James Hayter firing home. Schoolboy stuff from the man brought in from the Championship.


Clayton Donaldson had a couple of half chances – one from a great ball from the otherwise out of sorts Saunders – but dragged both wide. However he drew the Bees level after the break with a delightful low curling effort from the edge of the box following a spell of Bees pressure.


With Brentford in the driving seat, Uwe Rosler inexplicably changed the shape of the team – bringing on Paul Hayes and Harry Forrester for Saunders and Diagouraga. Quite why Dave was withdrawn is anyone’s guess – he’d been a key component in Brentford’s change of pace.


Almost immediately the Bees won a penalty from a silly handball. Debutant Hayes stepped up bravely but saw his effort saved. With the benefit of hindsight it was crazy to allow him to take the spot kick.


With Brentford seemingly unsure of their new formation Yeovil battled back into the match. One of a number of weak clipped balls from left back Barron led to a counter attack and the visitors steamrolled their way through our midfield before Hayter made it 2-1


Shortly afterwards the damage got worse – Barron was absolutely rinsed by their winger who centred the ball which Craig smashed home into his own net. A combo developed in Millwall it would seem.


Moore made a couple of further stops whilst Brentford headed a few half chances over the bar in a halfhearted effort to get back into the game. One of Moore’s stops almost fell to a Yeovil man – with Douglas giving the young keeper a rollicking. After he had ambled back from the centre circle.


Uwe Rosler took responsibility for defeat after the game – his change of formation in going for the win had brought about our defeat. He’d probably hoped a few more of his players would have taken responsibility during the game too.


Our other debutant Farid El Alagui did OK. There’s more to come and he looks dangerous attacking the ball in the air – he also made a great block in our own box with the game still in the balance.


Overall however it was a proper damp squib of a night with several players needing to win the home support over starting on Saturday against Crewe.


Bees – Moore, Logan, Legge, Dean, Barron, Saunders (Hayes), Dave (Forrester), Douglas, Forshaw, El Alagui, Donaldson


Unused Bees – Lee, Fredericks, Dallas, Redwood