Kevin O’Connor admitted that Brentford’s first-half performance against Bristol City wasn’t good enough as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Griffin Park this evening.
Shawn McCoulsky put The Robins ahead after 11 minutes with a well taken goal but The Bees improved after the break and hit back to grab the three points as first Sam Saunders and then Lewis Macleod scored fine goals.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match Kevin said he was disappointed with his side’s first-half showing but felt they improved enough after the break to warrant the three points.
“Our second-half performance was much better,” said Kevin. “In the first-half we were poor but overall, and after our second-half performance, we deserved the win. They improved in terms of their attitude, they moved the ball quicker and they were more aggressive to the ball both with and without it. We got into good areas and we were positive in our one on one battles. In the first-half we were too slow and we let Bristol get back into their shape.
“We told them at half-time that it wasn’t good enough and we asked them to play two-touch when they could which they did and they got their rewards. I told the boys at half-time not to let the opportunity to pass them by. The opportunity to play in front of a crowd at Griffin Park doesn’t come around all the time. It is a special place to play here under lights and they grabbed that chance in the second-half.”
Both The Bees goals came from first-team players returning from injury and Kevin said that Sam and Lewis have been great to have around his squad as they work back to full fitness.
“We all know that Sam Saunders can do that and he has done it before,” said Kevin. “He keeps coming up to me and reminding me that he is saving my job. Lewis scored a terrific goal and I was pleased for them because they both played well. They bring experience to this group and the young lads can learn from how they prepare and how they warm up. They have really helped this group in the games that they have played.”
Kevin has now been in his role as Development Squad Head Coach for a month and said he is enjoying his role but also learning all the time.
The former Brentford captain feels he is starting to see the efforts of their work on the training pitch coming through in matches but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Results are slowly starting to mirror what we see on the training pitch,” said Kevin. “There are still things that we can work on, like their goal. Our first-half performance was disappointing but I think that we are getting there. It is frustrating at times but that is all part of it with the Academy and the Under-21s.
“I am finding the role really good. There is an awful lot of work but I enjoy the coaching side of things. There are lots of things that go with it that I didn’t realise at the time but I am learning all the time. Nights like tonight are nice because we got the reaction that we wanted out of the boys. I am learning every day and I am getting to know what makes the boys kick and getting under their skin.”
Bees Player subscribers can watch the full interview with Kevin below