Richard Lee said he always felt Brentford were in control during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern Section Second Round win over Crawley Town.
The Bees booked a place in the last eight of the Southern Section with a 1-0 win.
Sam Saunders scored the only goal and Richard Lee, speaking to The Bees Player Show after the match, said there were lots of positives to take, including Brentford’s start to the match, which pleased Manager Uwe Rösler.
“We started very well, the gaffer was really pleased with that,” said Richard.
“We allowed them to come back in to the game slightly and they had one or two half chances.
“I always felt we were in control.
“There were periods of the game where we weren’t playing very well but some of our play was Premier League standard.
“There are loads and loads of positives to take and it was a great win.”
It was Richard’s first competitive First Team match of the 2012/13 season.
The stopper missed the start of the campaign with an injury and told The Bees Player Show he was only now fully fit.
“I feel very good,” he said.
“It has taken me a little while because of injuries, and I have had one or two little niggles this season, but I have done so much work.
“I spoke with [Head of Medical] Neil Greig and we agreed there was no point me coming back to training unless I was 100 per cent.
“It got to the point where I was getting frustrated.
“I sat on the bench a couple of times earlier this season but was nowhere near fit.
“I didn’t feel confident and was getting pain in my shoulder any time I did anything.
“I took a few weeks out and during that time I spent time in the gym getting fit.
“Tonight there were a few decent saves and no pain.
“I felt confident and when you play that’s all you can ask for.”
Brentford made five changes to the team which beat Crawley in an npower League One match on Saturday.
Richard said the performance showed the strength in depth in the camp.
“We have a big squad and a good squad,” said Richard.
“There are two players for every position.
“The manager could have changed all 11 players and we would still have been very strong.
“There are good signs.
“We have 22 First Team players, we should be very strong all season.
“That could be very important, especially during the Christmas period and the latter part of the season.
“We could flourish then.”
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