Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said his team overcame an opening day banana skin to pick up a point against Port Vale in their first game of the 2013/14 Sky Bet League One season.
The Bees took the lead against Vale as Shaleum Logan smashed in from 22 yards.
But the hosts, who were promoted last season from League Two, equalised soon after.
Brentford created a host of chances but couldn’t find a way through and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Uwe, speaking after the match, said his team played well and showed their attacking potential and fitness in difficult conditions at Vale Park.
He said lots of teams will struggle to win away to Port Vale and he was not disappointed with a point.
“It was a banana skin for us,” said Uwe.
“I felt we did well.
“You could see how fit the team is, conditions were difficult and the pitch was very big and sticky, it didn’t suit us and didn’t suit some of our players.
“We controlled the game but a slight lack of concentration cost us three points.
“Our offensive play was very good but we didn’t test the goalkeeper enough in the second half.
“Our potential going forward is frightening.
“Overall I am not disappointed.
“It is always difficult to come to a newly-promoted team.
“All credit to them, they are difficult to beat and lots of teams will find it difficult coming here.
“That’s OK.
“If you can’t win away from home, make sure you don’t lose.
“We wanted to be fit from day one; other teams will catch up through the season.
“Fitness is key for the way we play.
“We are ready for the season, it will be a long season and this was a banana skin.”
Uwe picked out plenty of positives from individuals during the draw.
“George Saville got better and better and better as the game went on,” he said.
“He has to get used to the Football League.
“In pre-season we played a lot of teams above us and he is used to that football.
“This is league football, he has to adapt to that.
“Overall I am very happy with him.
“The right hand side of Adam Forshaw and Shaleum Logan in the first half was tremendous.
“I would have wished we got Conor McAleny on the ball a little more but all players, including Martin Fillo in the second half, did well to run with the ball on that difficult pitch.
“The front two were tremendous.
“They worked their socks off for the team; they create chances on their own and will cause difficulties for every team in the league.
“They will score goals and that will help us achieve our goals.”
Tony Craig missed the game through injury but Uwe said he was close to returning.
Club Captain Kevin O’Connor stepped in to the centre of defence and Uwe said his back line did well.
“Tony Craig is on the way to get better,” said the Brentford boss.
“We have Ben Nugent in [on loan from Cardiff City] but it was probably a bit early to use him.
“Kevin, and the whole defence, did well.
“It is a lot to ask to go up against the long balls.
“We defended well.
“It was a solid performance; the only missing link was that we didn’t convert the chances.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Uwe Rösler here.