Lions lose their bite
Bowen had to wait for the winner, scored by Matt Miazga almost nine minutes into added time.
But after so long as an assistant, mostly to Mark Hughes at six different clubs, another eight minutes was not going to hurt.
It was also the Royals’ first victory in seven league games – five of which they lost.
That dismal run resulted in the sacking of Jose Gomes. ADAM BARRETT admitted he was in the dark over his prospects of landing the Millwall job on a full-time basis.
In charge as caretaker since Neil Harris’ surprise departure, Barrett’s prospects of a permanent position were looking good when his Lions led 2-0 with six minutes left.
But a late collapse saw Barrett rubbing his eyes in disbelief as Brentford scored three times to clinch an amazing comeback win. “I couldn’t believe it,” admitted Barrett. “I thought at 2-0 at that time in the game we looked very comfortable. They’d almost run out of ideas. It’s extremely disappointing.
“That’s something we’ve got to get better at. At 2-0 up away from home in this division you have to see that game out.”
As for his hopes of being handed the job in the long-term, Barrett added: “As far as moving forward I don’t know.
“I have been concentrating day-to-day, making sure we have been preparing as best we can. That’s all I have been focused on.”
Tom Bradshaw’s effort and a Jed Wallace penalty either side of the break had Millwall cruising.
But the Bees levelled through Josh Dasilva in the 84th minute and fellow substitute Bryan Mbeumo just four minutes later.
Then Ollie Watkins, who had missed a first-half penalty, BRENTFORD MILLWALL 10....... Shots on Target .........4 8 ........Shots off Target .........3 8 ................Corners .................4 13 ................. Fouls .................. 13 1 ................ Offsides ..................1 79.1 .Passing Success % 55.9 550 ...... Total Passes ........ 247 68.6 .... Possession % ...... 31.4 50.8 .Territorial Adv % .. 49.2 READING PRESTON 6 ........ Shots on Target ......... 4 6 ........Shots off Target .........5 9 ................Corners .................6 9 ..................Fouls ................... 14 1 ................ Offsides ................. 0 56.8 . Passing Success % ... 68.0 292 .......Total Passes .........359 45.6 ....Possession % ..... 54.4 49.5 .Territorial Adv % .. 50.5 tapped home in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cap an incredible comeback.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “Of course, when you’re 2-0 down with six minutes to go you should be happy with a draw.
“But having that strength to turn it around is incredible. It shows that in football when you have that momentum, anything can happen.”