Almighty Ghod’s on to a winner as Bees keep faith in cup run
FOUR days after one cup adventure came to an end, Saman Ghoddos ensured that Brentford began another with a hardfought win over Middlesbrough.
The Iran international struck a 64th-minute winner to send the Carabao Cup semifinalists 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 Covid-stricken Thomas Frank and oversaw many of the players he works with on a daily basis, is adamant that a cup run can only help the Bees’ tilt at promotion to the Premier League.
He said: “What Thomas and the staff has done at this club is nothing short of a sensation.
“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.
“Both teams had chances and I thought it was a terrific game of football. Everyone gave everything for the club.”
Brentford were grateful to reserve keeper Luke Daniels for repelling a first-half Middlesbrough onslaught with one save to tip over a rasping Chuba Akpom shot particularly outstanding.
They capitalised at the other end 10 minutes before halftime when a Ghoddos corner was steered home by Halil Dervisoglu on the half-volley.
Just before the break, Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Browne was carried off with what was later diagnosed as a dislocated kneecap.
His replacement, Sam Folarin wasted no time in making an impact, equalising in the 48th minute when he turned home 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 checking inside to fire into the far corner.
For Boro boss Neil Warnock, pride in his young side was marred by the knowledge of a late-night journey home.
Warnock said: “I really didn’t want extra-time.
“We’re not going to get back until two o’clock in the morning.
“Whoever organised a six o’clock kick-off has no consideration really, have they?
“You can’t tell me they can’t look at fixtures and be sensible about it.
“Middlesbrough at Brentford on a six o’clock kick-off.
“I’d love the FA people to be on our bus going back at half-two in the morning.”
BRENTFORD: Daniels 9; Roerslev
6, Pinnock 7, Sorensen 6, Gordon 6 (Haygarth (71st) 6); Stevens 6, Ghoddos
8, Gilbert 7; Dervisoglu 7 (Goode (71st)
6), Forss 6, Fosu 8
MIDDLESBROUGH: Archer 6; Spence
7, Wood 7, Bola 6, Coulson 6; Wing 7, Hackney 8; Tavernier 7 (Jones 90th), Roberts 7, Browne 7 (Folarin (45th) 7); Akpom 6 (Burrell 90th)
STAR MAN: Luke Daniels
REF: T Robinson