Richard Lee said Brentford’s Development Squad had “more than enough chances” to win their Under-21 Professional Development League match against Ipswich Town and it was disappointing to lose.
The Bees were beaten 3-2 in the match, played on Tuesday afternoon, despite having the better of it.
They fell behind early on but goals from Louis Hutton and Tyrell Miller-Rodney turned it around and Richard, speaking to Bees Player after the match, said The Bees had the chances to go clear.
But Ipswich struck twice just after the hour mark to take the win.
“It’s disappointing to lose,” said Richard.
“We had more than enough chances to win the game.
“Certainly at 1-1 we had four great chances.
“We went 2-1 up but the tide turned and we conceded two goals, which was a shame.
“I have had plenty to do but I felt we dominated for long periods and should have won the game.”
Richard has been out with a shoulder injury and has not played a First Team match since a Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out win over Dagenham and Redbridge in August.
He had shoulder surgery in the summer of 2013 and had a recurrence earlier this year.
Richard said the Brentford medical team had now got him to a position where he could train and was building up the strength in the area, playing matches when he could.
“I loved the game,” said the goalkeeper.
“It has been great to play a couple of games, make some saves and play reasonably well.
“It has been a frustrating time.
“I felt the shoulder again today which wasn’t great, I am trying to get it as good as I can and when I do play make the most of it.
“I really enjoyed the game.”
Brentford fell behind when a corner was played to Teddy Bishop on the edge of the penalty area and he fired home.
After goals from Hutton, before the break, and Miller-Rodney, after, The Bees had control but a cross from Alex Henshall sliced fortunately in off the far post before Cameron Stewart was put clear to score the winner.
“We didn’t pick up on the edge of the box,” said Richard, talking about the first goal.
“I got fingertips to the shot and it went on to the post but unfortunately it crept in.
“It was a shame to be done on a set piece.
“We are not happy with that.
“In open play I thought we were very good.
“The second was an unbelievable goal.
“He shanked it and by the time it went over me it was so high it has then just dropped in to the top corner.
“Every now and then it happens; I think he was embarrassed celebrating.”
Richard said he was personally finding life frustrating and after playing two games in four days, having appeared in a friendly against Chelsea last week, was hoping to carry on playing.
But he said Brentford FC was a great place to be.
“The lads are flying,” he said.
“It is a great place to be at the moment.
“It is frustrating on a personal level because whenever I get a head of steam up I get a set-back.
“I played well against Chelsea and again here but I have felt my shoulder.
“Hopefully it’s not too bad.
“I will train as hard as I can and make the most of my opportunities.
“I won’t dwell on anything or feel sorry for myself.
“It’s not ideal but I have to get it as strong as I can and when I get an opportunity, make the most of it.”
The Bees are fifth in the Sky Bet Championship and Richard said he was not surprised.
He said the policy of creating excellence put in place by Brentford Owner Matthew Benham and Manager Mark Warburton was producing the goods.
“Our position probably should surprise me, but it doesn’t,” said the goalkeeper, who has been at Brentford since the summer of 2010.
“Massive credit goes to the manager and Matthew Benham.
“If you put a system of excellence in place it works.
“It is a positive place to me, there is a good group of hungry players that want to improve, it is as simple as that.
“It is a team game.
“As a team we pull together and that starts from the stop.
“I have seen a gradual change and it is noticeable.
“I am excited to see what the lads can do if we carry on.”
A full video interview with Richard Lee is available here for Bees Player subscribers.