Made the effort to get across for this game as I used to live nearby for a time
and had adopted Brentford as second team. Fond memories of 91 when both Leeds
and Brentford won their leagues. Never thought the day would come when both
teams would be in the same division. Arrived early in Heathrow, had a great
fry-up in Ealing, including some fine Bubble and Squeek. Had a few pre-match
pints in one of the 4 corner pubs before taking a seat in among the Bees. Not
the only Leeds in the home end as not much support for home team around where
we were. By the way, what a palava to get a ticket for this game...didnt get
ticket for Leeds end even though applied months ago. Eventually found someone
who was on Brentford ticket database who got the 3 tickets for us. All this for
a third division game in a ground that was far from full. Kisnorbo was back for
Leeds with Michalik making way. Gradel also started in place of Snodgrass and
no other real surprises with Becchio partnering Beckford up front. This was a
game which was largely forgettable.
The pitch at Brentford is at the lower end of scale as regards pitch dimensions
and is more like playing in a corridor. Brentford played like the away team
with 5 across midfield. This meant the game was largely played down the middle
as we found it very hard to make any progress down the wings. Gradel tried hard
to make something happen but had very little support from Capaldi and was
invariably closed down when he cut inside. On the other wing, Howson was
largely anonymous and Hughes distribution was shocking. Doyle worked hard in
the middle but the only creativity came from Kilkenny. There was only 1 chance
in the first half when Beckford ran onto a ball in the penalty area which
bounced up nicely for a volley. He hit it well enough but the goalie got a hand
to it and touched it on the bar.
At half time, I felt confident that we would go on win the game. Brentford
offered nothing up front and knew that one goal would be enough to win the
game. We started bright enough and Becchio had a dipping volley which hit the
top of the bar and over. The game just seemed to get worse as it went on. It
lacked nothing for effort and finally it looked like the opportunity to finish
the game came when Beckford maybe offside was played through and had a one on
one but the goalie saved. Gradel made one great run down the middle and shot
tamely wide. Howson had not made much of an impression but was very surprised
when he was taken off and replaced by Crowe. Kandol came on and made a slight
difference. He had a shot from the edge of the area which drifted wide and had
a header which went over the bar. The game finished with Brentford on the
attack and the final whistle almost came as a relief.
Brentford dont lose many at home but this was definitely a game we could have
been a bit more adventurous... maybe gone 3 at the back as Kisnorbo was in such
command (motm by a mile) and Brentford were not committing players forward.
This team is still a work in progress. Full back is definitely a problem area
for us and there are still questions over midfield and strike partner for
Beckford. We all know what we are getting from Hughes, Doyle, Becchio and most
of the other players but to me Howson is the real enigma. Playing wide
obviously does not suit him but does he deserve his place in the middle ? What
is he ? A holding player or an attacking midfielder. He doesnt have the range
of passing that Kilkenny has so would expect Kilkenny to start ahead of him.
Thought a couple of years ago, especially after Carlisle playoff game that he
would develop into a Lee Bowyer type of player but his scoring rate is low.
Dont think he has the physical presence to play as a holding player so does he
get in ahead of Doyle ? He does have skill and he is able to control and pass
but he hasnt quite developed in the player I thought he would. Where he fits in
this team is just one of the questions that Grayson has to address if this team
is to kick on. We are in a great position in the league and have a decent
cushion. Grayson has done an excellent job so far and no doubt he is aware as
anyone else of the limitations of this team but we could not have asked to be
in a better postion at the beginning of what is going to be a very crucial
period.
So that was that... dash back to Heathrow and flight home. Not a game that
will last long in memory.
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