Watkins’ late winner drives on Brentford in promotion push
There is little doubt that Brentford’s impending move to a new stadium opens up exciting opportunities for the innovative and upwardly mobile west London club. But for the purists, the loss of another ground full of character, and a pub on every corner, will leave them nostalgic for the sort of home which is becoming ever rarer in English football.
Should Brentford open the new era at the Community Stadium with Premier League football, parting with Griffin Park will be that much easier. They took another step towards that aim with a pulsating win over Middlesbrough which lifted them to fourth place in the table, ahead of Leeds United’s visit on Tuesday.
“Tuesday is going to be a fantastic game to be part of between two of the best teams in the division,” Thomas
Frank, the manager, said. “What an attitude, character and mentality in this team. We kept going with a coolness and a discipline. We controlled our emotions. Middlesbrough are a good side and I think they are better than the position in the league shows.”
Brentford made all the early running and went close to leading as Josh Dasilva headed against a post after good work from Said Benrahma, before
Dael Fry hacked the ball to safety. Arsenal, Leicester City and Newcastle United have all been linked with moves for talented Algerian Benrahma in recent weeks and his goal-bound shot was deflected just over. From the resulting corner, Brentford scored. Defender Julian Jeanvier got the crucial touch, firing the ball over the line following Ethan Pinnock’s knock-down.
Boro had offered little going forward, but finally contrived a chance as
Marvin Johnson pulled the ball back for Marcus Tavernier, though David Raya comfortably saved his low shot.
Just after the break, Boro went close as Johnson’s deep cross from the left struck the far post. Whatever manager Jonathan Woodgate had said was working. His side equalised with an excellent low, 25-yard shot from Lewis Wing, which went in off a post.
Boro were deservedly level, but luck was not with them and they fell behind when Bryan Mbeumo’s wayward shot cannoned off Harold Moukoudi and Aynsley Pears to creep over the line.
But Boro quickly scored a simple equaliser as Ashley Fletcher headed in Tavernier’s corner to end a manic five minutes. Both teams went for it in the closing stages. Fletcher failed to connect with Jonny Howson’s cross and Benrahma curled a free-kick over.
Brentford won it at the death. Brilliant work by man of the match Christian Norgaard set up a chance for Ollie Watkins, who thumped home the winner from eight yards out, his 20th goal of the season so far.
“They’re a good team, but we matched them all game,” Woodgate said. “The result wasn’t there, but it was a very good performance.”