Jake Reeves said Brentford created enough chances to have beaten Southend United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
The Bees were knocked out of the competition at the Southern Section Quarter Final stage as they were beaten 2-1 in Essex last night.
The home side went 2-0 up with two goals from outside the penalty area and held on as Brentford fought back.
Paul Hayes reduced the arrears but Brentford couldn’t force an equaliser.
Jake said Brentford were the better team but did not convert their openings.
“I thought we dominated the game,” said the midfield player, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“I was pleased with how I played and pleased with how the team played.
“We just weren’t very clinical and, unfortunately you lose when you’re not clinical.
“That is what happens in football.
“We created enough, we had at least four good chances to put the ball in the back of the net but we didn’t.
“Their first goal took a deflection; there was nothing Simon Moore could do about that.
“The second was a really good strike.
“We started to dominate the game before they scored both goals.
“It was a setback.”
Brentford thought they had equalised midway through the first half.
The ball bobbled around 25 yards out before a Southend player connected and Sam Saunders was on his own six yards out, his shot was saved by Paul Hayes converted.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
“I was very disappointed that was ruled out,” said Jake.
“The full back played it to Sam Saunders.
“It can’t be offside if one of their players passes it back.
“The referee didn’t see that.
“It was a massive moment.
“We were dominating the game anyway, if we had gone in at half time 1-1, it would have been massive for us.”
Jake was recalled from a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon on Monday.
The midfield man played five games in npower League Two for The Dons and said it was a great experience for him.
The Bees are without Kevin O’Connor for the rest of the season while Tom Adeyemi is also out and Jonathan Douglas has missed the last two games with an injury.
Jake said he felt he was recalled by Manager Uwe Rösler as there was a chance for him to play games at Brentford.
He said he had learned from playing in League Two and it was different from games in the Under-21 Professional Development League he had played for Brentford’s Development Squad this season.
“It was a very good experience for me,” said Jake.
“AFC Wimbledon are down at the bottom but I don’t think they will be there for long.
“They are very good.
“I enjoyed my time.
“There is an opportunity for me here now with the injuries we have and the players having played so many games.
“That is why the gaffer has brought me back.
“There are games I can play in.
“I feel good because I have played a few games, I feel more sharp, I am more aware.
“Development games are more skill based, about possession.
“It’s not a bad league to play in but it is not First Team football against men week in week out.
“There is more physicality in the league.
“League Two is normally about playing up to a front man and midfield players winning the battles.
“That is what I have learnt all about from my time at AFC Wimbledon.
“The manager said today he was happy with me so hopefully I can get an opportunity.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Jake Reeves here.