Clayton Donaldson said Brentford had to bounce back from their defeat against Bradford City and ensure it didn’t happen again.
The Bees were beaten 4-0 in Yorkshire yesterday afternoon after having goalkeeper David Button sent off in controversial circumstances.
The Bees were on top at the time of the sending off but conceded just before half time and then lost three goals in nine second half minutes.
Clayton admitted Brentford conceded bad goals – the first when a cross wasn’t cleared, the second following a defensive mix-up, the third a far post header and the fourth from a comer – and said it was now about how The Bees reacted when they travelled to Tranmere Rovers next Saturday.
“When the sending off came I thought we were still in the game, we were still trying to get something,” said Clayton, speaking to Bees Player: Match Day Live after the loss.
“The goal was a big blow.
“After the second goal a few heads went down.
“The manner we gave away the goals was disappointing.
“They didn’t open us up.
“The goals were avoidable.
“It is how you bounce back.
“The boys are all down but it is about how you react.
“We have a tough away game on Saturday.
“What is done is done, we have to lift ourselves and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Branford started the game with Marcello Trotta, who joined The Bees on loan from Fulham this week, as the central man of a front three while a trio of midfield players picked up second balls and moved the ball well.
Clayton said Brentford began well and could have been ahead.
“I thought we started well, created a few chances,” he said.
“Marcello almost got a goal, he hit the post.
“There was a good block.
“Marcello picked up where he left off; he brings something different to the team.
“The game plan was working for the first 20 minutes and we were creating chances.
“There is always a sacrifice when the goalkeeper is sent off and it was unfortunate for Marcello it was him.”
The sending off came when a long ball from the back released Nahki Wells in behind in the inside right channel, David Button came flying out, got some of the ball and some of the striker on the edge of the penalty area.
Assistant Referee Nicholas Gibbons signalled a foul had been committed and Referee Andy Haines, following another discussion with his assistant, sent the goalkeeper off.
Clayton said he was surprised to see the red card.
“I saw the keeper and the player running for the ball,” said the striker.
“David made a slide tackle and they collided.
“The ball has gone the way the keeper slid; my first thought was he got the ball.
“I would have to see it again to be sure.
“I was surprised to see him sent off for the challenge rather than being the last man.
“I thought it was a good challenge.”
Clayton said the defeat was not in keeping with the Brentford side he has been part off since he signed in the summer of 2011.
He said the players took responsibility for what had happened and now had to look forward.
“We have to forget about the negatives and work on the positives,” he said.
“Today was a blow, losing 4-0, even with ten men, it was a blow.
“That is not us; we are normally a lot more solid.
“We have to start working on what was working for us before.
“We are not a million miles away and it is early in the season.
“We have plenty of time to pick up and get back on track.
“Everyone knew today wasn’t good enough.
“The squad have to take responsibility and we did that.
“Now we can get over it and work on what is coming next.”
The best bits from Saturday’s Bees Player: Match Day Live will be available soon.