BEES’ IMPRESSIVE UNBEATEN RUN COMES TO AN END
FRANK’S SIDE LOSE CHANCE TO REGAIN TOP SPOT
BRENTFORD head coach Thomas Frank admitted his team’s 21-game unbeaten run was halted by the better side after losing at home to Barnsley.
Goals from Conor Chaplin and Carlton Morris clinched the points for the Tykes in an ill-tempered affair which saw the visitors end the Bees’ 21-game unbeaten run.
However, Frank says the Bees’ response in the midweek derby at QPR will be the more important measure of their promotion credentials.
“We knew before that Barnsley would make it difficult,” he said. “We lost to the better team today, but it is how we react to it and how we bounce back that matters.
“It was inevitable that we would not go the rest of the season unbeaten, but I think we have been so consistent and so good.
“Today there was no lack of effort and they put everything out there. There was big determination and we lost a game to a team that were at their very top level.”
Frank was delighted that his side have a high-profile midweek clash with their local rivals, and added: “No matter when we play QPR, it is always a big game and a great opportunity for us to bounce back.”
However, the Dane, whose side could have regained top spot with a win over Barnsley, believes there will be plenty more twists in the race for promotion.
“This is going to go to the end of the season, I have no doubt about that,” he said. “So everyone speaking about promotion must know the only thing we speak about is the next game. We will stay in there and stay focused like always. We can be very happy for 24 hours when we win or very sad when we don’t. This one will hurt tonight and in the morning but then we will prepare for the next game.”
Frank suggested the fine margins went against his side but bemoaned goals at the start of each half, adding: “If our two good chances in the first half go in or we get the penalty after half-time, then it is a different game.”