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Brentford have it all to do to reach Wembley after losing 1-0 to Swansea City in a Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg marred by a controversial refereeing decision.
Both sides saw early chances go begging as Swansea’s Rhian Brewster’s goal bound effort forced Brentford keeper David Raya into a save while Ollie Watkins headed wide from close range.
The hosts will feel they should’ve had the lead on 38 minutes when Andre Ayew’s header bounced back off the post to Brewster, who could only find the arms of a grateful David Raya.
In a lively second-half, Swansea were awarded a penalty on 63 minutes thanks to a clumsy challenge from Pontus Jansson with Raya denying Ayew’s spot-kick to keep the game level.
And just two minutes later, Rico Henry was wrongly sent-off after winning the ball with a hard tackle, but protests from Swansea players convinced Keith Stroud to show red.
Ayew then brushed off his penalty miss with a thumping volley on 82 minutes to give Swansea the lead and a huge goal ahead of Wednesday night’s Second Leg at Griffin Park.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
David Raya got a strong hand to Andre Ayew’s penalty, denying Swansea a lead early in the second-half.
Moan of the Match
In a game of this nature, a referee should only show red if they are positive it is one – Henry’s unfair dismissal sucked the life out of Brentford and led them to concede.
Talking Point
Going back to Griffin Park will Brentford be able to grind out a result and find their way to Wembley?
Man of the Match
David Raya – made a huge penalty save and started a few good Brentford breaks off from the back as well.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Keith Stroud (Hampshire) – any slight bit of contact appeared to be a foul and brandished one of the worst red cards of the season.
Atmosphere
This is the kind of game fans dream of attending and the Bees could’ve used the away support as they tried to push for an equaliser.
Verdict
Brentford played very well but will feel hard done by the one-nil deficit that they take back to Griffin Park.
