Alex Pritchard believes Brentford can’t afford to dwell on a poor performance in their 2-2 Sky Bet Championship draw against Millwall at Griffin Park on Saturday.
The Bees failed to get into gear and found themselves 2-0 down midway through the second-half after goals from Lee Gregory and Aiden O’Brien.
Alex pulled one back from the spot with four minutes to go before right-back Moses Odubajo popped up in injury time to secure a point.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match Alex admitted that Brentford’s performance against Millwall was a long way short of what they would have wanted.
Alex felt Millwall’s pressing style made it difficult for The Bees but that they should have been good enough to find a way around their opponents.
“I think today was one of the poorest games that we have had this season,” said Alex.
“We have come away with a point so we will take a positive from that but it was a poor display from us.
“We were 2-0 with not long to go and we have pulled something out of the bag which could be crucial for us.
“Today wasn’t good enough and we have to look back at the game and see what we can do better.
“We can’t be too hard on ourselves because we have still got seven games to go.
“We can’t dwell on this, we have got a point and we have to move on.
“Millwall came with a game-plan and we knew that it wouldn’t be easy as they are scrapping.
“We needed to perform but we didn’t.
“They got themselves in front and then got their second goal.
“In the end we started to play better football and used their width.
“We didn’t just force it in the box like we did in the first-half and we got our point.
“When we went to their place and it was an open game.
“It would have been an open game today if we had played better football.
“We could have tried to go down the channels for Andre in the first-half and turned them and they would have dropped off.
“We didn’t do that and we were poor today and everyone has to up their level for Fulham away.
“I had no doubt that I had to score that penalty.
“I needed to put the ball down, put it in the back of the net and go again.
“We did and we got something out of the game so I am happy with that.
“Moses has been brilliant all season bombing on and he got his reward today.”
The Bees now have a two week break before their next fixture which is an away trip to local rivals Fulham.
After a run of eight matches in 28 days Alex admitted that there may have been an element of fatigue in The Bees performance against The Lions.
Alex feels that the two week break has come at the right time for the side and hopes they can recharge their batteries ahead of the last seven matches of the season.
“I think we looked a bit leggy and tired today,” said Alex.
“The international break has come at a good time for us.
“We got a good three points at Blackburn that were massive and, no disrespect to Millwall, we should be winning our home games.
“We didn’t today as they came and did a good job.
“We have to keep going because we have got a massive game when we come back.
“The break has come at a good time for us.
“We are now in a play-off spot and we can’t rely on other teams we have to rely on ourselves.
“Today was a blow but there are still seven games left and it is going to be crazy.”
Alex will have less of a break than most members of the Brentford squad as he links us with the England Under-21s for two friendlies ahead of the European Championships this summer.
The Young Lions face the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday before hosting Germany at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium three days later.
Alex said it is always an honour to receive an England call-up and he hopes he can bring his Brentford form with him when he travels away with Gareth Southgate’s side.
“It is massive to represent your country at any level,” said Alex.
“It is crucial for your career to be involved with England.
“I can’t wait to go away.
“I need to go out and perform in these friendlies.
“If you look at the squad that we have got it is a very good squad.
“I want to bring my Brentford form out with England.”