Two Goals But Still a Loss

Walsall 3 - Brentford 2

Brentford put on a better attacking performance than of late but the defence let them down by shipping three goals to lowly Walsall.

Dave replacing Kev at the heart of the midfield and Grabban starting for Alexander who is suffering from an illness were Nicky Forster's only changes to Saturday's line up.

The Bees started the game well, playing nice football, but the hosts were still effective getting the ball into the Bees' box regularly.

After 30 minutes Sam Saunder's cross into the box was met by a diving Pim to head home powerfully from 8 yards. The Bees then played their best football of the match but just ten minutes later a stunning 25 yard strike left Moore with no chance and the game was level.

The equaliser gave Walsall belief and they then took control of the game up to half time and came out after the break even more fired up. The pressure told on 57 when Cook put Walsall into the lead. Brentford fought back well and five minutes later Grabban took advantage of a poor back pass to level.

Just two minutes later Moore was unable to hold on to a ball into the box and it dropped to Jon Macken for his second and the winner for Walsall.

A better performance all round than Saturday - but that wouldn't be difficult! Nicky Forster's aim now is to get more points than last season's 62 and to prove that he is the man for the job.

Moore's handling seems to be a weak spot in his game at the moment. He clearly has many other good attributes but work is needed here.

Legge was replaced early on with a groin injury. Carson has gone back to Sunderland with an injury but may return.

Moore; Neilson, Legge (sub Osborne 26 mins), Balkestein, Woodman; Diagouraga; Reed (sub Byrne 83 mins), Bean, Saunders; Grabban, Schlupp (sub Simpson 58 mins)

Subs (not used): Royce, Spillane, O'Connor, Weston

With thanks to beesotted for their match report

April 13, 2011