Josh McEachran came through 45 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly against AFC Bournemouth today as he continued his rehabilitation from a foot injury. The 22-year-old completed the first half of the match, played on a chilly afternoon on the south coast, and produced a classy display in the centre of midfield. It was his first action since breaking a foot during pre-season and he was heavily involved in a good Brentford first half performance.
The Bees were beaten 2-1 by the Premier League side in the friendly. They fell 2-0 down as Yann Kermorgant headed home a Joe Bennett cross in the first half before Glenn Murray capitalised on a defensive error to round Jack Bonham and score. Bournemouth fielded a strong team, including a number of players who have featured heavily in their Premier League campaign but Brentford were the better team for long spells.
The Bees pulled one back just past the hour mark as Konstantin Kerschbaumer curled home superbly with his left foot from 20 yards and had other chances. Kerschbaumer went close in the first half and Philipp Hofmann headed a Sam Saunders cross narrowly over. Jan Holldack also fizzed a shot just over the bar from 20 yards.
Brentford thought they had levelled inside the last 15 minutes when Saunders curled a free kick that flicked off a defender and flew in to the far corner. It was, however, disallowed for offside. A decision that surprised most watching and Saunders in particular. Substitute Courtney Senior also had a goal rules out for offside, this time far more clear cut, and Holldack shot just over from 18 yards.
The home side finished the stronger and could have extended their lead but for some wasteful finishing and two fine saves from Bonham in The Bees goal.
Brentford line-up: Bonham; Mepham, Barbet, O’Connell, Field; Tébar (sub Ferry 75 mins), McEachran (sub Holldack h/t); Kerschbaumer (sub Senior 80 mins), Saunders (sub Udumaga 80 mins), Gogia (sub Moore 70 mins); Hofmann (sub Clayton 80 mins)