Part two of our look back at the season just gone and it's an encouraging start to the season on two fronts. Here's the five moments that defined August.
Five-star start to the season
All the preparations complete, it was down to Sky Bet Championship business on a glorious summer afternoon at Griffin Park. Rotherham United were the visitors and they would be the first to see The Bees attacking prowess up close and personal. Neal Maupay got up and running with a brace; Sergi Canos, Ollie Watkins, and Lewis Macleod grabbing the others as Dean Smith’s side sat top after the opening weekend.
Moses re-joins
A key part of our 2014/15 Play-Off side, Moses Odubajo had spent the summer at Jersey Road getting fit after his release by Hull City. The 25-year-old had played his last game in May 2016 due to a persistent knee injury but had proved enough in his time back in West London to earn a one-year contract.
Josh Dasilva arrives
We are delighted to welcome England youth international @joshdasilva_ to #BrentfordFC on a long-term deal after the midfielder left @Arsenal in the summer pic.twitter.com/Stn9wtzKY2
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 21, 2018
Another one coming in the door in August was Arsenal youngster Josh Dasilva. The 19-year-old turned down a contract with The Gunners and had been a free agent since the summer. After signing a four-year deal, Josh had to wait to work his way into the matchday squad as he worked up to match fitness.
Woods becomes a Potter
It was a transfer story that rumbled on through the summer, but Ryan Woods finally ended his three-year association with The Bees in late August to join Stoke City. Initially a loan-deal with an option to buy in the summer, the previous season’s Player of the Year left with 128 appearances and three goals to his name in the red and white of Brentford.
First away win denied at the death
Back on the pitch, Aston Villa and Brentford served up a treat in front of the Sky Sports Cameras towards the end of the month. Neal Maupay struck once in either half as The Bees looked to be wrapping up a first league away win of the season. However, a 95th minute goal from Jonathan Kodija stole a point back for the hosts at the death. There was worse to come after the game as the league’s top scorer, Maupay, picked up a three-game ban for a stamp on John McGinn.
First-Team Results
Brentford 5 Rotherham United 1 – Report/Highlights
Stoke City 1 Brentford 1 – Report/Highlights
Southend United 2 Brentford 4 – Report/Highlights
Brentford 2 Sheffield Wednesday 0 – Report/Highlights
Aston Villa 2 Brentford 2 – Report/Highlights
Blackburn Rovers 1 Brentford 0 – Report/Highlights
Brentford 1 Cheltenham Town 0 – Report/Highlights
August Top Scorers
Neal Maupay 5
Ollie Watkins 3
Julian Jeanvier 2
Saïd Benrahma, Sergi Canos, Marcus Forss, Lewis Macleod, Kamohelo Mokotjo 1
