Jonathan Douglas said Brentford produced a “pretty good” performance as they beat Crystal Palace in their final pre-season friendly.
But the midfield player added that there were signs of what high level teams could do to The Bees if they switched off at any point.
Jonathan scored the opening goal as Brentford beat Premier League Palace 3-2 yesterday.
Andre Gray added one soon after but Palace scored twice in three minutes to level it up.
Moses Odubajo scored the winner and Jonathan said Brentford gave a good account of themselves and showed character to respond to the double blow.
“Overall we were pretty good, we created a lot of chances,” said Jonathan, speaking to Bees Player.
“We should have been ahead going in to half time.
“They are a good team, they play in the Premier League, and we gave a good account of ourselves.
“But the most important thing was to get another 90 minutes and prepare for next week.
“It was a massive test for us.
“You could see that if we switch off we will concede goals.
“They are a quality side and that is what happened.
“We showed great character to come back and we dominated the last 15 minutes.
“Moses scored a great goal to win the game.
“We went 2-0 up and deserved it but switched off and were punished.”
Jonathan’s goal came just after half time.
He weaved his way in to the box before curling home.
Jonathan played with Marcos Tébar and Alan Judge in a midfield three and said he knew he could go forward and have cover behind.
“It fell to me on the edge of the box and I didn’t see much on,” said the midfield player, describing his goal.
“I decided to take the centre half on and luckily enough I passed it by the goalkeeper.
“It doesn’t happen too often so when it does it is pretty nice.
“With the personnel we had today I was playing alongside Marcos and I knew if I went he would hold for me.
“Toumani Diagouraga is the same and Jake Reeves as well.
“We have a good mix of players who understand the game.
“I know someone will cover for me.”
Jonathan said the Palace match was one that could be replicated in the Sky Bet Championship this season.
“Teams will punish you in The Championship,” he said.
“But the most important thing is not to get frustrated when teams are on top.
“We are playing in a higher league against better quality opposition.
“We have to stay patient and bring our game on to them.
“We should be OK.”
With six days to go before the season starts, Jonathan said he was pleased with his personal preparation.
“I am happy with where I am personally,” he said.
“Everything has gone well so far.
“Pre-season is about getting fit and staying injury free.
“It is pleasing to come through, we have worked really hard, we have a good back room staff who put us through our paces in the right way.”
The midfield man is about to start his fourth season at Griffin Park.
He joined The Bees in 2011 and won promotion from League One at the third time of asking last season.
Jonathan said the future was bright at Brentford with Club Owner Matthew Benham’s backing.
“We are a million miles away from where we were three years ago,” he said.
“You only need to come to the Training Ground and see the facilities.
“There are so many people working behind the scenes, the manager, coaching staff and people at the stadium who have upped their game.
“The Club is pushing forward and there is an Owner who will back it all the way.
“The future for Brentford is looking very good.”
The Bees start the season with places up for grabs in the team and Jonathan said that would help as the season progressed.
“Everyone in the squad is aware of the competition and it is a good thing,” he said.
“You need competition.
“You can’t go in to a season with 15 or 16 players, you will struggle.
“We have a lot of Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday runs, the squad will be used.
“The more competition there is the better.”
The Bees start their 2014/15 Championship season against Charlton Athletic next Saturday.
Jonathan concluded: “We are ready and looking forward to it.
“We have a week to prepare for Charlton and we will go from there.”
Jonathan Douglas’ full post-match reaction is available here for Bees Player subscribers.