Smith hails his battlers

DEAN SMITH believes his Brentford deserved more than a point after ‘dominating’ against Stoke.

Brentford gifted their hosts a cheap opener after a defensive mix-up allowed Benik Afobe to tap in unopposed.

But the visitors bounced back and Ollie Watkins’ terrific longrange strike restored parity.

Smith said: ‘You don’t ever come to a place like Stoke City and expect to walk it.

‘We played how I know we can play, with lots of belief and knowhow. Stoke have a talented squad so for us to come here and dominate is very pleasing.’

Stoke boss Gary Rowett says his players need to start performing better as they continue to adjust to life post-Premier League.

‘My message to the players is that we’ve got to wake up,’ he said.

SWANSEA brushed off a horrible week to beat Preston and make it back-to-back Championship wins.

The Welsh side lost four key players in Federico Fernandez, Jordan Ayew, Sam Clucas and Jordi Amat on Thursday’s transfer deadline day to leave manager Graham Potter with a paper-thin squad.

But after their opening-day victory at Sheffield United, Jay Fulton’s header was enough for Potter’s men to beat North End.

‘I am very proud of the players and the supporters. They were both tremendous,’ said Potter.

‘People keep talking about how tough the Championship is and I agree with them. If you’re not resilient, you’re dead.’