Brentford 2 Norwich City 1

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An impressive performance from Andy Scott's men

Brentford came of age in League One tonight when they saw off a skillful and determined Norwich side - by virtue of perhaps the best performance by a Bees team since Andy Scott took over as Manager.

Initially forced back by a Canaries team eager to impress watching new boss Paul Lambert, Brentford fought their way back into the game. A pulsating first half finished level with both teams going close, none more so than Carl Cort's hooked volley and then Sam Saunders's free kick, which both landed on top of the net.

Many fans were surprised that Marcus Bean was not recalled for David Hunt but the decison proved an inspired one. Hunt's long throw after 50 minutes was perfectly headed in by Ryan Dickson - now what was HE doing there in the area? - and then Hunt put his foot through a free kick for handball on the edge of the box (none of this curling stuff for him) and almost broke the net.

The Bees held on comfortably despite Tudor-Jones's injury time free kick consolation.

Not only were three valuable points earned, their confidence noticeably improved when the first goal went in and they now know that they can compete at this level.

Every man was a hero tonight. Price organised well and made some decent saves and the back four, with Phillips again outstanding, withstood the worrying loss of skipper and inspiration Alan Bennett with a nasty looking groin injury and hold on resolutely.

Cort and Weston worked hard and Saunders and Wood terrirfied the Canaries defence.

The future looks good for the Bees. If you want to quibble then perhaps the front two are not looking penetrative enougth but they both worked their socks off and Cort lasted the full 90 minutes.

O'Connor and Hunt worked like Trojans - and a word too for Osborne who competed well when he came on as a substitute. Foster was, well, Foster, a solid professional performer and a word too for the excellent and unobtrusive referee Mr Scott.

Most of the 7,300 crowd went home happy and singing the praise of an excellent Brentford team and an exciting game of football and we can look forward to the rest of the season with eager anticipation.

Thanks to Greville Waterman and BIAS for the match report

August 19, 2009