Bees Sweep Past Hapless Gills
Brentford 4 - Gillingham 0
Sometimes the Gods just smile on you and today was one of those days. Brentford fully earned their best win of the season and scored four goals for the first time but Gillingham had the better chances and also went away complaining after Brentford were also awarded two first half penalties - one of them very much on the soft side.
Gillingham should have scored early on but after excellent play from Walker, Simeon Jackson's shot when clean through was just tipped by a prehensile Chesney palm onto the post and the Bees survived. That was not the only chance as Brentford surviverd by the skin of their teeth.
Gillingham then demonstrated admirably why they have now conceded more away goals than any other team in the division by self-destructing and gifting Brentford three first half goals. Gowling's wretched backpass put MacDonald clean through, Julian brought him down and Charlie's spot kick (replacing O'Connor after his miss against Southampton) squirmed under the keeper.
"Dave" impressing when deputising for the injured Bean was ankle tapped deep in the area and slowly fell over and this time Charley's spot kick raged into the top corner.
Not content with two gifts, Gills then donated a third when Gowling passed back beyond Julian and the ball was just thrashed clear but Myles Weston won possession and buried the ball inside the near post. Even then Gills could have scored after a Legge mistake but Chesney saved again from Jackson.
The Bees took their foot off the throttle after the interval but Gillingham could not take advantage, Chesney pushing a header onto the bar with a backwards leap before Walker ballooned over from the rebound.
Weston ran onto Dave's lovely through ball to score off the post and keeper to make it four as Gillingham gave up and also saw three players all booked for dissent.
Brentford now have a deep squad with cover in all possessions. The back four recovered from an iffy start and skipper Kevin O'Connor ran the match from his midfield berth. Akinde looked a bit off the pace and lacked sharpness but he needs games which he will get in abundance. Sam Saunders responded to the Manager's faith in him by performing well before Ainsworth had a brief but impressive run out for the last quarter.
The playoffs might be a step too far this season but for the first time I can confidently say that we are not going down and the omens are highly promising for the future given the skill and confidence flooding through the squad.
As for Mr Stimson - no he did not shake Andy Scott's hand - as if Andy could care less. We sang, we danced, it was a great afternoon's entertainment at Griffin Park.
Thanks to beesotted for their match report.
February 8, 2010
