Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said his side are where they want to be going in to the final game of the npower League One season.
The Bees drew their penultimate game 1-1 with Hartlepool United yesterday, coming from behind to take a share of the spoils.
Hartlepool had the better of the first half hour and went ahead but Marcello Trotta levelled it up.
Brentford had the better of the final hour of the match but could not find a winning goal.
The point leaves Brentford third in npower League One.
If they beat Doncaster Rovers at Griffin Park next Saturday in the final game of the season they will be promoted.
Doncaster are currently second, two points ahead of The Bees, and no other team can deny Brentford if they win.
“We have worked hard for the past few months to be in the position we are,” said Uwe, speaking after the draw with Hartlepool.
“We have it in our hands going in to the last game, a home game.
“That is a great achievement for us.
“Doncaster have everything to lose and we have everything to win.
“It is a great position to be in.
“We are where we want to be.
“I am full of optimism and look forward to a full house at Griffin Park.”
Uwe said Brentford needing to win next week might help them.
He said he preferred the situation where his team were challengers and could definitely win.
Doncaster could have clinched promotion yesterday but were beaten by Notts County in their final home game.
“I have a week to find the right plan,” said Uwe.
“Doncaster have been there all year.
“They were relegated from The Championship last year.
“They have a higher budget than us.
“Their manager said today they expected to win against Notts County and have a party.
“That didn’t turn out to be.
“We are the challengers.
“We are in a great position.
“I like that for my players.
“We are better when we have to attack and win.
“At our home pitch we can definitely do that.”
Uwe said Brentford were “not at the races” until Hartlepool took the lead in yesterday’s match.
But he said The Bees responded well and once they got on the front foot they were the better team.
He said they could have won the match but gave credit to Hartlepool, who were relegated when results went against them earlier in the week.
“It wasn’t the greatest game,” said Uwe.
“For the first 25 minutes, until they scored, we were not at the races.
“After they scored we lose our nerves, we started to attack, scored immediately and after that we gained control.
“We were the better team in the second half and had some good chances.
“There were two from Tom Adeyemi to win the game.
“We know we can play better.
“All credit to Hartlepool, they are a team with character, they didn’t let their heads drop after they were relegated.
“They gave us a fight.
“They made it difficult for us on a very bumpy and hard pitch.”
Uwe said he made a slight tactical change after Hartlepool’s goal – it appeared Toumani Diagouraga moved to play on the left of midfield with Bradley Wright-Phillips joining Marcello Trotta in a front two.
He said the condition of the pitch at Hartlepool’s Victoria Park worked against his side.
“We made a slight tactical change but it was more about how we kept the ball,” said Uwe.
“It was difficult today.
“The pitch was very bobbly and hard.
“When you have to attack and have the ball a lot that is to your disadvantage.
“We had the ball a lot more than them.
“It was difficult and I will defend my players but we could have started better.”
The Bees were without Tony Craig as he was sent off for violent conduct in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last Tuesday and Brentford’s appeal to overturn the decision was rejected.
Club Captain Kevin O’Connor was pressed in to service at the centre of defence.
It was his first start since he picked up a serious ankle injury in November.
He was booked inside the first half hour but Uwe was full of praise for his display.
“Kevin O’Connor’s performance was a very good point for us today,” said the Brentford Manager.
“Kevin has not played much.
“He worked very hard over months and it has paid off as he will play a vital role in our season.
“Harlee Dean and Kevin have not played together in the centre of defence very much and after the yellow card, Kevin was under massive pressure.
“He coped very well.
“I am pleased with his performance.”
More than 500 Brentford fans made the trip to the North Sea coast for the match, which was live on Sky Sports at kicked off at 5.20pm.
Uwe said the supporters deserved the position The Bees were in.
“The fans were brilliant,” he said.
“There was a great atmosphere, even when we walked off the bus.
“There is a buzz around the Club.
“The supporters deserve the season we have had so far.
“It’s the best season for a long time.
“We have it in our own hands to win promotion.
“It can’t get better than that.”
Uwe said he was pleased he had a week to prepare for the game and everyone should relish the positive pressure of the occasion.
“I like that we have a week to prepare,” he said.
“Our best performances have come when we have a week to build-up to a game.
“We want to build it up.
“This is something to look forward to.
“It is positive pressure.
“These are the games we want to be involved in.
“This was the clear message I had since June 2011 when I took over.
“Now we are there.
“Let’s build it up, create the excitement, this will only help us.”
Bees Player subscribers can see Uwe’s full post-match interview here.