Advertisement
Bees rain on Latics’ parade
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date online: 14 January 2013
Athletic 0, Brentford 2
THIS was a classic missed opportunity for Latics.
The club went into the game watched by more than 1,000 more supporters than usual, following the heroic victory over Nottingham Forest in the cup and the retention of Reece Wabara and - most impressively - Jose Baxter.
All the ingredients, then, for an up and at 'em performance with feelgood factor coursing through everyone’s veins.
One-time Athletic target Clayton Donaldson pricked the bubble of optimism with barely five minutes on the clock, with the kind of powerful header that brought him to Paul Dickov's attention. He struck again eight minutes from the end.
There was no lack of effort on the hosts' part, but the absence of captain Dean Furman, all-action James Wesolowski and skilful Cristian Montano robbed them of their creativity and tempo.
Youngster Carl Winchester partnered Youssouf Mchangama in the engine room and both struggled to get forward as their physical counterparts imposed themselves.
There was absolutely no joy down the flanks. Robbie Simpson was ineffective down one side and on the other Lee Croft had one of those days he will be keen to forget.
Reece Wabara plugged away behind him all afternoon, but there were not many opportunities.
Baxter was fighting a lonely battle. He was by far the most likely man to drag Dickov's men back into the contest, but Brentford made it hard to pick out a teammate in any kind of threatening position.
Stolen moments and snapshots were the order of the day, but when Winchester and Baxter pulled off a classy one-two just before the interval, it was the one occasion Athletic sliced through the defence.
It got the fans on their feet and ensured a hearty applause at the whistle. But Athletic did not build on the momentum and the second period was a letdown.
The visitors grew into the match as the second half wore on. Mchangama should probably have provided better cover and was found wanting in the tracking-back department.
Despite the positives around the club, there was another home league loss to ponder.
Liverpool in the cup is all well and good, but Athletic need points on the table - sooner rather than later.
Comments
we allways struggle against big strong physical taems like this, we get pushed over far to easy.
Seems the only way to do well in this league is have a big strong side
Referee must be West Ham supporter taking revenge for 6-0 trashing some of his decisions were mind boggling and predominantly favoured Brentford.
Smith was held, checked and fouled persistently but referee just didn't want to know. Couldn't believe we ended game without a sending off.
Brentford were the better team and deserved to win despite ref performance. Our midfield was too lightweight need a leader to organise and command.
The last six league games have yeilded one point so why don't we make changes in the defence. Brown has prove he can do a very god job at right back yet we take Wabara back on loan to do City a favour (shop window). I watched Mellor against Bolton reserves again very good performance. Tarkowski another player who has shown tremendous potential. It seems to me that the club has made it's mind up to stop home grown talent progressing and to rely on loan deals. Sad state of affairs!
'Who the hell has tried to paint the roof of the CRE?? It looks an absolute disgrace! the stadium already looks a mess at least have some pride and employ someone who knows how to use a brush! I hope its just an undercoat at this stage?!'
Forest away awesome !! Baxter signing awesome !! But our manager just cannot get it right in the league ! very weak performance - Will Simpson be AWOL till Liverpool game? When are we going to get some strength & power in our team we look like schoolboys especially in midfield. Home games is where the club should make its money but the home record is a disgrace to say the least - PD requests new players - Hope he get it right cos most realistic fans know there can only be one outcome !!
One ohe worst performances of the season at BP. The annoying thing is, Brentford were the worst oppostion team I have seen so far yet, we barely troubled them. I agree that the ref 'missed' some blatant fouls but we were still very poor against very poor opposition. It was the first time I have ever asked to be let out of a football matchand was on the m62 back to Preston when Brentford scored their second goal.
@nud ....Paint ? i thought it was pidgeon droppings seeing the amount of time its taking !
Many supporters are allowing themselves to believe all is well at BP. Shame! If they did a reality check they would see how poor the squad is and just what a mess PD has made of his managerial stint at BP. No use saying he has no money - SC gave him some and he squandered it, so we are led to believe. Oh, and managers have worked Miracles with no money but PD couldn't work miracles if he had millions. He's not up to the standard we need to ensure a good future at the club.
Have Your Say
Great signing but the underlying rubbish prevails. A 1,000 more turn up and they run out of hot food in the CRE. We couldn't have a bet as nobody turned up in the booth. The fayre on the pitch? Garbage. Cup run papering over the fact Dickov isn't up to it. Weak, paceless and clueless. If the stand gets built in my lifetime, do all the fans move into it? Mind you we'll only have 2500 left at this rate. Wake up and smell the (cold) pies Corney.
By Accrington Blue @ 14/01/2013 14:04:37