Assistant Manager David Weir praised the way Brentford’s defence dealt with difficult conditions in their win against Peterborough United on New Year’s Day.
The Bees kicked off 2014 with a 3-1 win at London Road, their 12th win in their last 13 Sky Bet League One matches.
Brentford have taken 37 points from the last 39 on offer and are now three points clear at the top of the table.
The Peterborough match was played in a driving wind and intermittent rain on a pitch that was heavy at the start and cut up as the afternoon wore on.
David, speaking to Bees Player: Match Day Live after the match, said in conditions such as those you had to expect mistakes but Brentford covered for it.
Peterborough’s only goal came when a long range Jack Payne strike was caught by the wind, dipped wickedly and late and went in off the crossbar.
That levelled an Adam Forshaw penalty but goals from Sam Saunders and Clayton Donaldson gave The Bees the win.
“I thought we played well in spells,” said David.
“Peterborough played well in other spells.
“It was an open game, end-to-end, lots of chances, the lads did really well in difficult conditions.
“Sometimes in these games you have to expect mistakes.
“The lads covered for that.
“They got themselves in good positions, defended properly, got some blocks in and got in positions to look after each other.
“Fortunately it went our way.”
David said Peterborough’s goal, just past the half hour mark, was impossible to stop and paid tribute to the way Brentford reacted.
Sam Saunders put them back in front within three minutes and they had chances to make the game safe before half time.
The Bees also saw a penalty saved just after half time but did not let it affect them and had the better of the second period, eventually scoring the third late on.
“It was a fantastic goal from them,” said David.
“Sometimes you just have to say ‘fair play’.
“The lad struck it from 25, 30 yards, it has gone all over the place and dipped in.
“It was impossible to stop.
“We responded in the right manner, stayed positive and looked to score another.
“It is important the lads believe in what the manager says, keep going and if they get a setback go on the front foot.
“The penalty save could have been a turning point but the lads responded to the disappointment.
“We didn’t retreat and hold on.
“We looked for the next goal.”
David said Brentford’s defenders put their bodies on the line to defend their lead but hailed the way they continued to press forward.
He said Brentford Manager Mark Warburton always encourages his team to attack.
“You get nervous and you have to trust the lads,” said David.
“They did really well, defended properly.
“We have good lads throwing their bodies on the line.
“We looked dangerous on the counter attack, we felt when we got the ball we could create chances.
“They had chances but we were dangerous at the other end.
“Mark talks about exploring and getting goals.
“Eventually we got the goal.
“It was a fitting end for Clayton to get the goal, he has been outstanding, as they all have.”
Brentford’s next game is against Port Vale on Saturday January 11.
David said the players would have a bit of time off but then had to come back and push on from their current position.
“The lads will have a bit of time now,” said David.
“At this stage of the season, with as many games as we have, and with a heavy pitch, it will take its toll.
“The boys have a deserved break.
“We can tidy up the injuries.
“It is important the players are back ready to go again for the second half of the season.
“We are in a great position to push on and be successful.
“We want to stay on track for that.”
The best bits from Wednesday’s Bees Player: Match Day Live will be available soon.