Busy Bees sting Boro
FOUR days after one cup adventure came to an end, Saman Ghoddos ensured that Brentford began another with a hard-fought win over Middlesbrough.
The Iran international struck a 64th-minute winner to send the Carabao Cup semi-finalists through to the fourth round and rebuild his side’s momentum after their defeat at Tottenham.
B Team coach Neil Macfarlane, who was deputising for the Covidstricken Thomas Frank, is adamant that a cup run can only help Brentford’s tilt at promotion to the Premier League.
Macfarlane said: “What Thomas and the staff have done at this club is nothing short of sensational, but that is through a burning work ethic and desire. At no point do we want to lose matches and you could see that today.
“You can see from the Carabao Cup run that it breeds confidence on a weekly basis in the league.
“I thought the young players acquitted themselves superbly well and were backed up by the terrific senior pros we have at the club.
“Both teams had chances and I thought it was a terrific game of football.”
Brentford were grateful to reserve keeper Luke Daniels for repelling a firsthalf Middlesbrough onslaught with one save to tip over a rasping Chuba Akpom shot particularly outstanding.
They capitalised at the other end 10 minutes before half-time when a Ghoddos corner was steered home by Halil Dervisoglu on the halfvolley.
Just before the break, Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Browne was stretchered off with a dislocated kneecap.
His replacement, Sam Folarin wasted no time in making an impact, equalising in the 48th minute from Patrick Roberts’ deflected shot.
Both teams might have won the tie, but it was left to Ghoddos to latch on to a Dervisoglu pass before firing into the far corner.
For Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock, pride in his young side’s performance was marred by a late-night journey home.
Warnock said: “I didn’t want extra-time. We’re not going to get back until two o’clock in the morning.
“I’d love the FA people to be on our bus going back at half-two in the morning.”