Bees keep dreaming of a sting in the tale
Watkins lands eighth win in a row to worry top two
NOBOdy can accuse Brentford of giving up the chase easily. they knew only perfection would be good enough when football came back last month and perfection they have delivered.
Seven games post-restart, seven victories. Leeds and West Brom, nailed- on for automatic promotion for so long, must be sick of the sight of them. the pesky Bees that can’t be swatted away.
this was not vintage stuff from thomas Frank’s team — only glimpses of their attacking class were forthcoming — but it was enough to move back within a point of West Brom in second and three of leaders Leeds.
It ensures the race to the Premier League will go into the final week. Baggies manager Slaven Bilic spoke of nervousness within his ranks and is it any wonder? Every time the prize is within their grasp, Brentford win and keep them sweating.
yet it remains the case that Brentford’s destiny is out of their hands. they must hope West Brom stumble at Huddersfield tomorrow and against Queens Park rangers on Wednesday while continuing to win themselves.
you would not put the second part of that equation past them.
an early goal from Ollie Watkins settled this contest, whacking a huge dent in Preston’s play- off ambitions in the process.
Five points off sixth, alex Neil’s side need favours. Watkins needed just three minutes to open the scoring in Brentford’s 3-1 win at derby on Saturday. this time it was four.
Emiliano Marcondes was the creator following a patient buildup, scooping a through pass with the outside of his right boot to allow Watkins to steal a yard on the defenders. What followed was inevitable, a powerful rising shot past keeper declan rudd. It was a milestone goal; not only Watkins’ 25th of the season but one that nudged him ahead of Fulham’s aleksandar Mitrovic at the top of the Championship scoring charts.
It was symbolic too in that it matched Neal Maupay’s contribution to Brentford’s Championship campaign in 2018-19.
When Maupay was sold to Brighton for £20 million, Watkins was burdened with replacing him. How he has delivered. ‘Now it is a statement, I produce 25-goal strikers,’ joked Frank.
‘I call him the beast. He is a remarkable player and person. He is a coach’s dream. Ollie is the hardest-working offensive player in the league and he is the top scorer as well.
‘We have won eight on the bounce either side of the break, playing some top football. It is a win that