Mark Smith was left frustrated as Sheffield Wednesday came from behind twice to secure a point in their Under-21 Professional Development League Two clash at Middlewood on Tuesday.
Two Sergio Bus goals, late on in each half, denied The Bees the three points after Montell Moore had twice put Kevin O’Connor’s side in front.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match Mark said it was disappointing to leave with only a point as he felt Brentford dominated the game.
“We are disappointed because we controlled the game quite well,” said Mark. “We created a lot of opportunities and conceded two goals from two mistakes. It was just one of those games where you get punished for the mistakes we made but there were a lot of positives to take. We kept the ball really well and in the second-half we changed our tactics to sit back and let them have it. We controlled that really well and shows we can change our tactics.”
In front of Mark on Tuesday was a backline all aged 18 or under who came up against a much older and more experienced Sheffield Wednesday attacking unit.
As a goalkeeper Mark said it is always annoying to concede but felt on the whole the defensive unit played well.
“Conceding goals are frustrating for me but they couldn’t have come at worse times,” said Mark. “They could have gone on to win it at the end because we had just conceded and everyone’s heads were down. The young back four in front of me did really well and they didn’t need much coaching. They didn’t look out of place and they fitted in well. I remember when I was stepping in to play Under-21s football it was quite nervy for me but they didn’t look nervous at all.”
Mark has been sharing goalkeeping duties in the Under-21s with Jack Bonham in recent weeks and admits it has been difficult given his limited playing time to get up to full match sharpness.
“It has been tough only playing a game every two or three weeks,” said Mark. “Every time I play it is almost like a pre-season game. It is difficult but as a goalkeeper it is not unheard of to go a month or two without playing a game and then get thrown in at a vital time. For a goalkeeper being match fit is about decision making and seeing the game that split second quicker and that makes a massive difference. You don’t think too much about what you are doing when you are match sharp, it just happens.”
Bees Player subscribers can watch the full interview below