Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said his side “lacked a clinical edge in front of goal” as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Bees were beaten 2-0 at Griffin Park yesterday, conceding two late goals.
Mark said there were plenty of positives to take, particularly the number of chances Brentford created, but his team lost, and that was the most important thing.
The Bees dominated posession and territory but couldn’t turn that in to goals.
Lewis Dunk headed in a free kick – which Mark felt should not have been given – with two minutes left and Chris O’Grady scored a second in stoppage time to give the visitors the win.
Mark said overall it was very disappointing to be out.
“There were many positives but the overriding negative is that we lost a game of football 2-0,” he said.
“We won’t keep going in and saying we were excellent and created chance after chance.
“Goals change games.
“We lacked a clinical edge in front of goal, on another day we could have had four, five or six.
“But we lost 2-0.
“I don’t think it was a free kick for the first goal, but that’s a minor point, and we were sloppy in midfield for the second.
“It’s very disappointing.”
Mark said a free kick being given for a foul by Toumani Diagouraga, covering for Alan Judge – down with a head knock, emphasised the margins on which games can be decided.
Against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday Brentford conceded an early goal that was acknowledged to be offside and lost 2-1.
“Toumani filled the hole as Alan had an injury, he made a good tackle but we were punished from the free kick,” said the Brentford Manager.
“Those are the fine margins I talk about, like at Wolves last week.
“We can’t keep saying we will learn lessons but we have to.
“We dominated the game last week, had incredible stats in our favour but lost 2-1.
“I’m sure the stats today will be even more in our favour but we lost 2-0.
“There is a good group in there and we will move it forward.”
Brighton were presented with some chances in the second half as Brentford, according to Mark, took liberties in defence.
He said his team needed to always take care of the ball as they are vulnerable when they don’t.
“In the first half, especially, we were very, very good,” said Mark.
“I told the boys at half time it was a pleasure to watch them play but they hadn’t got their rewards.
“We started fast in the second half, with positive intent.
“We played very well again for 15 to 20 minutes then we started to take liberties at the back, were too casual, and caught in posession on both sides.
“Simple is best, don’t take liberties and have the edge in front of goal.
“We have to take care in the final third; we are vulnerable if we don’t.
“We were very good at times but the overriding negative is that we are not in the hat.”
Mark made some changes to his team for the game.
He handed Jack Bonham his first start for almost 18 months and Toumani Diagouraga came in for Jonathan Douglas.
Alex Pritchard, who went off at Wolves holding his back, also missed out while Harlee Dean came back in defence.
“Jack Bonham was excellent,” said Mark.
“He had a couple of saves to make and a high ball to deal with, his first touch was to play in to midfield and he grew in confidence from there.
“He was comfortable on both sides; I am really pleased for him.
“We had to get the team right today.
“Jonathan Douglas has had a calf injury, it has healed fully and he came back but he has played almost every minute of every game.
“We need him fresh.
“Toumani stepped in, Jon Toral has trained well, as has Tommy Smith and Sam Saunders is pushing for a place.
“We have three centre backs for two spots.”
Bees Player subscribers can see post-match reaction from Mark Warburton here.