Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler hailed the mental strength of his team after they scored two late goals to beat fellow promotion-chasers Peterborough United last night.
The Bees had taken a first half lead through a Gabriel Zakuani own goal but were 2-1 down with ten minutes to go as the visitors scored twice in 90 seconds around the hour mark.
But Brentford equalised with a goal given to George Saville but claimed by Will Grigg and Clayton Donaldson smashed in the winner.
The win was Brentford’s seventh in eight games and in the eighth game there was a draw away from home against League One leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The Bees climbed above Peterborough with the win and Uwe said he was proud of his side’s 3-2 win.
He said it showed they had improved from last year, when they finished third in League One and lost the Play-Off Final, and now have to make it count in an away game against Notts County on Saturday.
“In terms of drama and excitement and intensity and tempo it was one of the best games,” said Uwe, speaking after the match.
“We turned it round against a very good side.
“The mental strength is fantastic.
“We are better this year than last year.
“We have showed that against Wolves and tonight.
“I am very proud but we have to make it count against Notts County.
“That will be the toughest game of the week.
“I saw players getting tired today and we have to think about team selection, particularly with those players who came on.”
Uwe said Brentford spent too much time defending their lead after half time and were pushed back by the visitors.
But he said Peterborough played in to Brentford's hands after going in front.
He added substitutes Will Grigg, Farid El Alagui and Sam Saunders made a difference
“In the second half we were too protective of our lead,” said Uwe.
“We were too direct and they came at us.
“They pushed us back and turned the game around.
“When we had nothing to lose we started to play like we had in the first half and as we normally play.
“They started to go long and played in to our hands.
“The tempo and intensity and quality was Championship quality from both teams.
“The way we turned it around was fantastic.
“The three substitutes gave us a big lift.
“Top teams have people on the bench who can turn a game, that is fantastic.”
Uwe said he was expecting a high-tempo game, particularly as Peterborough made a few changes, bringing in fresh legs.
“Peterborough saved three or four players for the game,” said the Brentford Manager.
“We had a high tempo game at Wolverhampton.
“We were ready from the beginning, so were they.
“The game went back and forwards.
“They had fresh legs because they had players that had not played on Saturday.
“We had a lot of quality to bounce back.
“We lost our momentum and started to go long but then we started to pass it again and the players saw what a difference that could make.”
Brentford had the better of the first half, after an end-to-end start, and went ahead when a McCormack cross was headed in to his own net by central defender Gabriel Zakuani.
The visitors started the second half well and Jack Payne smashed in from 25 yards before Britt Assombalonga raced clear to score soon after.
Brentford came up against a defensive wall but levelled with ten minutes to go.
Alan McCormack’s cross was met by George Saville, his header hit the post and spun across the goal line, it ended up in the back of the net with Farid El Alagui, Will Grigg and Peterborough defender Michael Bostwick in there with it.
Uwe said Will Grigg may have got the final touch.
“We have a debate in the dressing room,” he said.
“Both players want to claim the goal.
“I am not sure but Will Grigg has a strong case.
“The story in the dressing room is that Will got the last touch.”
The winner came with three minutes remaining.
Farid El Alagui won a header and Clayton Donaldson created space before lashing a right foot shot in to the far corner of the net.
“Clayton’s goal was a tremendous individual effort,” said Uwe.
“He used his power, his pace and his strength and shooting technique.
“He is our talisman, he is our match winner.
“He showed it again.”
Brentford play Notts County, who are bottom of League One, on Saturday, November 30, in their next fixture.
Uwe said he would have to see how his players recover for that match.
“Notts County have a new manager and the players will want to put themselves in the good books,” said the Brentford boss.
“The players will work hard, they are fighting relegation
“They will have the knife between their teeth.
“The pitch will play a role, it is not very good.
“We have to see how players recover and how training goes on Thursday and Friday before we decided what tactics to go for.
“I am pleased with the week so far.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Uwe Rösler here.