Jonathan Douglas described Brentford’s come from behind win against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park last night as a “very big result”.
The Bees maintained their position in the top six of the Sky Bet Championship as they came from 1-0 and 2-1 down to win 3-2.
Blackburn started the game knowing they could close to within five points of The Bees with a win having taken nine points from their last three games but victory for the visitors ended the hosts’ promotion hopes.
Jonathan said Brentford went in to every game looking to win and were delighted to take the points to ensure they remained sixth in the table with eight games to go.
“It is a very big result,” said the Brentford captain.
“Every result between now and the end of the season will be very important for us.
“The more wins we can get the better.
“We didn’t think about Blackburn’s form or position before the match.
“We go in to each game looking to get a win.
“We know other teams will drop points around us and it is up to us to not do the same.
“It is a difficult place to come against a team in form so to get three points, we’re delighted.”
Brentford found themselves a goal down inside five minutes when Rudy Gestede raced on to a long ball over the top to score.
Brentford slowly got in to the game and Chris Long equalised just before the break but there was enough time for Chris Taylor to restore Blackburn’s lead.
Jota scored a marvellous equaliser just after half time before Andre Gray bundled in the winner inside the last ten minutes.
Jonathan admitted Brentford had been below their best in the first 45 and said they lifted their game after the break following a half time conversation.
He hailed the character of the team for coming from behind to win it.
“I don’t know if we can explain why we started slowly, it was a terrible start for us,” said Jonathan.
“We showed great character to come away with a win.
“It’s important to stay in the game.
“With the strikers they have they can score goals.
“We needed to regroup.
“Longy scored a great goal but then we let them back in just before half time.
“There were words said at half time but we came out in the second half and were the better team.
“I don’t think we spoke about doing things differently in the second half just things that we didn’t do in the first half that we have done all season.
“We wanted to keep the ball better, we gave it away too much in the first half.
“We showed great character to get the win.
“We needed to tighten up everywhere, we needed to do a lot of things better and we did that in the second half.”
Jota ran 60 yards before scoring his equalising goal and then fired in a shot that Blackburn goalkeeper Jason Steele pushed on to Gray, who then forced it in.
Jonathan said Brentford earned their luck by going for wins.
“We have a lot of quality in the team,” he said.
“Jota took his goal really well.
“The last goal was a bit of luck but you need a bit of luck at this stage of the season.
“Our game plan from the first day of the season was to attack and I suppose you earn your luck when you do that.
“We always said we wouldn’t hold back and that has proved to be a good ploy.”
The game was Jonathan’s 500th in professional football and was on the ground of the club where he started his career.
He said it was a good night for him personally – and Brentford Head of Medical Neil Greig had made him aware of the landmark – but the win was most important.
“It is a good feeling,” said Jonathan.
“It is another three points for us and another game chalked off.
“Hopefully there are more to come.
“I was made aware of the 500th game by Neil Greig, who has turned in to a stats man all of a sudden.
“He told me and it’s good to get the win, especially on St Patrick’s Day.
“I am more about the team but it is nice personally to chalk up as many games as I have and a win tonight is the main thing.”
Brentford are seven points behind joint-leaders Watford and Middlesbrough with eight games to go.
Their next is against Millwall at Griffin Park on Saturday, March 21, before they have 13 days without a match due to the international break.
“This year before international breaks we have done really well,” said Jonathan.
“It is another tough game, they are fighting for their lives down the bottom.
“We will give them the respect they deserve and try to get the win.”
A full post-match interview with Jonathan Douglas is available here for Bees Player subscribers.