David Button admitted his first reaction to the draw against Oldham Athletic was one of “disappointment”.
The Bees drew 0-0 at Boundary Park yesterday afternoon and David, speaking after the match, said the group did not reach the standards they have set in the past.
The goalkeeper said Brentford did not dominate the game as they usually do and although they were better in the second half, against a team trying to defend, The Bees needed 90 minutes to break them down.
“The first reaction is disappointment,” said David.
“We know we are good enough to win and it is a bit disheartening not to get three points.
“We have a good group of lads; we will stick together and go again for the next game.
“We have set our standards very high, when we don’t meet them; it is obvious for everyone to see.
“We normally dominate games and we didn’t do that today, especially in the first half.
“We improved a little in the second half but when teams want to come and play with ten men behind the ball against us, we have to give ourselves 90 minutes to win the game.”
Oldham spent much of the game on the back foot.
They played with five in midfield and attacked mostly on the break, sitting in and trying to counter.
David said Brentford were used to dealing with teams like that when they were at their best.
“We have been saying since the start of the season with the players we have got, teams are happy to take a point from us,” said the goalkeeper.
“We have been dealing with that all season.
“It is strange for it to happen away from home, you’d think teams will come at us and try to go for the three points.
“We are more than good enough, when we are at our best, to deal with that.
“Today wasn’t one of those days.
“We have been so good in some games that people expect us to reach that level every time.
“That isn't going to happen.
“Maybe this isn’t such a bad result but we know we are better than that.
“We will keep going and fight for Tuesday.”
The clean sheet was Brentford’s fifth in their past seven games.
The Bees lined up with James Tarkowski and Harlee Dean in the centre of defence as Tony Craig was injured but David said all the players were used to swapping in and out.
He said the defending at Boundary Park was one positive to take from the afternoon.
“We all work together,” said David.
“People swap in and out.
“Everyone knows each other’s strengths.
“We have a fantastic squad and between now and the end of the season we will need everybody.
“We have to be happy with a clean sheet.
“There are always things to improve and tighten up on but the lads defended well.
“My job is to make saves, a clean sheet is nice.
“The defenders have been superb all season and I have not always had a lot to do.
“If I can contribute and get us a point, that is great.
“Everyone is a bit disappointed but there are positives to take and the clean sheet is one of them.
“We have been tight recently and if we can carry on, with the quality we have going forward, we will win more than we lose.”
Brentford’s next match is away to Sheffield United on Tuesday night.
The Bees beat United 3-1 at Griffin Park in August but they have been on a good recent run, sitting in the top half and reaching the FA Cup with Budweiser Semi-Finals.
David said the game was one Brentford’s players relished.
“They have picked up from when we first played them at the beginning of the season,” he said.
“We know it won’t be an easy place to go but we are good enough to beat anyone in this league.
“We will go there looking to get three points.
“It is a lovely ground, big club and as players you have to relish these nights.
“There aren’t too many other teams playing, it could be a fantastic opportunity for us to make up ground at the top.
“We do relish these games.
“We have great characters in the dressing room, we want to win.
“Everyone is pulling in the great direction and we are raring to go.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with David Button here.