1 min
Brentford came from behind to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic at Griffin Park.
The Addicks took a surprise lead in the 8th minute with Macauley Bonne prodding home Alfie Doughty’s deep lying cross via the head of Jake Forster-Caskey.
Brentford’s best chance of the opening period saw Said Benrahma denied twice – first a curling strike that went just wide and then an effort inches over the crossbar.
The early exchanges of the second period saw further Brentford pressure with Josh Dasilva trying his luck with a fierce left footed strike that curled agonisingly wide.
However, the long overdue equaliser came in the 75th minute, with Said Benrahma winning a penalty before coolly stepping up to convert for his 15th goal of the season.
Thomas Frank’s side then flirted with a second with a host of opportunities, most notably Dasilva lashing another curling strike that hit the crossbar.
But with just five minutes remaining Brentford did take the lead – and the 3 points – as Ethan Pinnock rose highest to head home to keep the pressure on second placed West Bromwich Albion.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Henrik Dalsgaard’s introduction on the hour mark brought some much-needed stability to the Bees, with the experienced full-back at the forefront of the incredible comeback.
Moan of the Match
Lee Bowyer’s side were organised in the first half, but their inability to defend as a unit in the second cost them the game.
Talking Point
Brentford’s backline made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the early exchanges – will Thomas Frank consider rotating some of his key men to avoid fatigue?
Man of the Match
Josh Dasilva – incredible work-rate throughout, with some massive contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
John Brooks (Leicestershire) – a very strong performance, noticed low-key incidents that others may have missed.
Atmosphere
Two London sides with strong support certainly would’ve relished a final match at Griffin Park, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be.
Verdict
Winners are able to grind out results in unlikely circumstances and Brentford’s late comeback continues to make the second place finish a realistic target should West Bromwich slip.
