Shaleum Logan said Brentford just needed a little bit of luck to turn one point in to three against Port Vale.
The Bees kicked off their Sky Bet League One campaign with a 1-1 draw at Vale Park.
Shaleum put Brentford one up with a superb striker against The Valiants, who were promoted from League Two last season.
But the home side hit back, equalised and held on for a share of the spoils in the face of strong Brentford pressure.
Shaleum said Brentford were happy with a point but would have got three if the ball had run their way, particularly for strikers Clayton Donaldson and Will Grigg.
“They were in the league below last season but got automatic promotion so we knew it would be tough,” said the right back, speaking to Bees Player after the final whistle.
“It was a really sticky pitch and really big.
“We are happy with a point.
“It is a long season and every point matters.
“We had quite a few chances, Clayton hit the crossbar and Will had a few that just wouldn’t go for him.
“I always thought the goal would come.
“I think we deserved to win but we can’t begrudge a point away from home.
“Everybody has confidence in this squad.
“We just didn’t get the luck today.
“In their area the ball would take a flick off someone, run wide or run to the keeper.
“We just didn’t get the luck we needed.”
Shaleum said he hoped his goal would be the first of many this season.
It came when he cut inside on his left foot and hit a bouncing ball on the half volley with his left foot from 22 yards, arrowing it in to the top corner.
“I hope there are more to come,” he said.
“It just opened up for me and I hit it well.
“That’s by far the best goal I have scored.
“I always wanted to score a goal from outside the box and as soon as I hit it I knew it was a good strike.”
Port Vale equalised when Brentford couldn’t get the ball away on their left.
The cross came in and Shaleum challenged for it, the ball broke to Doug Loft and he slotted home.
“We had a couple of chances to clear,” said the defender.
“And, as I was talking about with the luck, I blocked it and it fell to their guy.
“He finished well.
“We will pick up points from that when we analyse it.”
More than 750 Brentford fans made the trip to Vale Park.
Shaleum paid tribute to the travelling supporters and said they would have a key role to play this season.
“This is three hours from London and full respect to the fans that made the journey,” he said.
“We have a great away support and it can only spur us on.
“They will be our 12th man.”
Shaleum Logan’s full post-match video interview is available here for Bees Player subscribers.