Paul Hayes hailed Brentford’s performance in their FA Cup with Budweiser victory over Southend United, but said the result was the most important thing.
The Bees booked a Fourth Round spot by beating the Essex side 2-1 in a Third Round Replay at Griffin Park after the first tie was drawn 2-2.
Paul, who spoke to Bees Player after the match, scored the opening goal but Southend goalkeeper Paul Smith made a series of unbelievable saves, including one from a Harry Forrester penalty, and the visitors equalised.
Clayton Donaldson scored the winner inside the final 15 minutes to send Brentford through.
“It was disappointing to draw at their place, especially after being 2-0 up,” said Paul.
“We were confident of a result here but we had to make sure we performed.
“We had to put our chances away, and that is what we did.
“Their keeper probably only plays like that once or twice in his career.
“He has made some great saves, even the penalty – Harry has put it in the top corner and the keeper has saved it.
“He was Man of the Match, that showed the way the game went.
“You have to keep going.
“We had a situation where it was 20 minutes to go and 1-1.
“No matter how many shots you have had and how well their keeper has played, it was 1-1.
“You start to think you need a goal.
“Clayton came up with one.
“We felt we should have been six or seven ahead when they equalised.
“To be 1-1 with 20 minutes to go was a massive eye-opener.
“You can’t disrespect opponents, at 1-1 either team could have won.
“Luckily it was us.
“It was a good performance all round.
“Everyone has done well, we created lots of chances.
“The most important thing was to get through.”
Paul scored the opening goal when he turned home a Lee Hodson cross from close range.
The striker hailed the delivery and said he wished all goals were like that.
He said Brentford came in at half time 1-0 up and knew they had played well but still had to go out and win the game.
“The ball that Lee put in meant it was an easy striker’s goal,” said Paul.
“You prefer them like that.
“It was a great delivery and an easy tap in.
“We knew we couldn’t take the eye off the ball but there was only 45 minutes gone.
“They started well second half, it put us on the back foot but we pushed forward and created more chances.
“Their keeper has had a Worldy and they have equalised.
“There was relief all around the park when we scored.
“We had more than 20 shots today.”
Brentford will play current UEFA Champions League and FA Cup holders Chelsea in the Fourth Round.
Paul said he expected the Premier League side to respect The Bees in the same way Brentford’s players respected npower League Two side, who had beaten them in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy before the FA Cup draw.
“You have to respect your opponents,” he said.
“We lost to Southend in the JPT and drew in the FA Cup, we hadn’t beaten them.
“We couldn’t think about Chelsea.
“Now we are through, it will be fantastic for the players, the staff, the fans, the whole Club.
“It will be a good day, and who knows what will happen.
“You can’t say you have played the current European Cup holders often.
“I am sure they will treat us with respect.
“We will be the underdogs but, with the FA Cup, you never know.”
Before Chelsea visit Brentford will entertain Tranmere Rovers in an npower League One game on Saturday and then Leyton Orient next Tuesday.
Tranmere are top of League One, two places and four points ahead of The Bees.
“It is nice to have a cup run but we play Tranmere this Saturday,” said Paul.
“They are top of the league and are contenders to go up.
“It will be a good game.
“But we are confident, we are at home, we have only lost once at home all season.
“We are on a roll.
“We have to take it in to Saturday.
“We thrive on every game we play.
“If you want to go up you have to want to play in these games and win them.
“There are exciting times ahead.”
A full video interview with Paul Hayes is available here for Bees Player subscribers.