Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he thought his side’s Sky Bet League One draw against Walsall was a fair result.
The Bees drew 1-1 against Walsall yesterday afternoon to extend their unbeaten league run to 15 games.
They went ahead on the half hour when Clayton Donaldson headed in a Jake Bidwell cross.
But Walsall levelled at the end of the first half.
Both teams had chances after the break, Marcello Trotta missed the best, turning over a Clayton Donaldson cross, but neither could score.
Mark, speaking after the match, admitted his team were sloppy at times but said they deserved the draw.
“It was a tough game,” said the Brentford Manager.
“We were sloppy at times in the first half but we had some very good play as well.
“We scored a good goal; it was a great ball by Jake Bidwell and a good finish.
“We were in good shape then.
“It wasn’t a good time for us to give a goal away.
“Walsall move the ball well, they make you work and you have to look after the ball.
“At times we were sloppy but it was 1-1 at half time.
“We came out in the second half and the two teams went at each other’s throats.
“We had a great chance with Marcello Trotta and David Button has made a good save at the other end.
“I think it was a fair draw.”
Mark said he felt the game would have been good to watch for the neutral.
He said both teams tried to win the game and both would consider the point a good one.
“Walsall had bright periods in the opening half hour but so did we,” he said.
“Both teams looked to move the ball quickly and split lines.
“It was a good game of football for the neutral.
“We got the goal and looked good and threatened the second.
“We got a bit sloppy and Walsall deserved their equaliser.
“In the second half both teams had a go.
“Both teams will feel they had a go and it was a good point.
“We are tough to beat, as the record shows, and we look to win games.
“Walsall were effective today.”
Brentford had won their previous eight Sky Bet League One games, and 13 of the past 14, and climbed to the top of the table.
Mark said a draw was not a failure and praised his team for the way they defended.
“I think it is a good point,” he said.
“I told the players this is not a failure.
“People have looked at the games we have won and we always want to win the game but it was tough.
“We stood up defensively.
“There were some good performances.
“We take the point and move on.”
Brentford were without Harlee Dean, Adam Forshaw and Sam Saunders – all injured – and Will Grigg came off in the second half after feeling his calves tighten.
Captain Kevin O’Connor played in the centre of defence while Chiba Akpom, signed on loan from Arsenal, came on for his debut.
Mark reiterated that he would need his entire squad if Brentford were to achieve anything this season.
“It is a squad game,” he said.
“I say it every week but we won’t win anything with 11 or 14.
“The guys that came in did a good job today.
“Chuba made his debut, I’m pleased for him, Kevin O’Connor was strong at the back.
“Defensively we were very strong, especially in the second half.
“I’m pleased with that.
“The squad has shown its squad over the past few days.
“Will Grigg did very well, he came off because he felt tightness in his calves at half time.
“He worked hard.”
Brentford’s next match is against Gillingham on Friday night.
Mark said bringing the game forward so it can be shown live on Sky Sports would mean a slight change of schedule.
He added The Bees were looking no further than Friday’s game.
“The boys would normally have Wednesday off,” said Mark.
“Now they have Tuesday off, it’s an adjustment to the normal schedule.
“We are just focused on the next game.
“Gillingham is our only focus.”
Full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.