Deja vu as Bees lose their sting

AS THE party started in Norfolk, over in west London there was nothing to celebrate. Once again Brentford were helping others, rather than themselves, when it comes to escaping the Championship.

Norwich needed Swansea and Brentford to drop points to be promoted before they kicked a ball on Saturday night. Both, to the Canaries’ surprise, sang like a bird in doing so.

Thomas Frank talked of relishing the battle even with the odds against them, but this match-up brought nothing to savour.

The gap to Watford in the second automatic spot is down from nine to eight after they lost at Luton but with five games left, belief is escaping Brentford.

‘It feels like an opportunity missed,’ said Frank. ‘The performance was a little flat but there was no lack of passion, willingness, hard work or attitude.’

Millwall started brighter and should have taken an early lead.

Mason Bennett picked out Scott Malone at the back post, but he could only volley over rather than into David Raya’s net.

The second half followed much like the first, lethargic and short on the quality that put Brentford in contention.

When Marcus Forss broke clear soon after the break, only to find the side netting, he kicked the post in frustration. It was a moment that surmised Brentford’s struggles.

‘ I’m pleased with the players,’ said Millwall boss Gary Rowett. ‘We’ve not got much to play for. But we’ve drawn with Norwich and Brentford twice.’

Cardiff City visit Brentford on Tuesday and Frank knows a repeat performance will see them lose.