The 3pm Kick off time in bright sunshine was probably the last thing the players needed but vital preparation for the season ahead. A good crowd and good atmosphere between Brentford and Staines fans was great to see.
Brentford looking to improve but also sustain their impressive form started with:
Ademola Bankole
Kevin O'Connor
Michael Turner
Karleigh Osborn
Ryan Peters
Oli Skulason
Sam Tillen
Jay Tabb
Ryan Watts
DJ Campbell
Lloyd Owusu
Osborn captined the side after the departure of Stuart Talbot to Boston last week. It didnt take the mix of experience and youth long to click into gear with new boy Dj Campbell hitting the post within a minute. The franetic opening pace died down but Campbell who looked in good shape tested teh keeper twice more within the first half an hour.
Staines were on the back foot throughout and found it difficult to cope with Brentford's advanced fitness and full time experience. The Bees looked fluent in attack and comfortable in defense with new boys Tillen and Skulason testing the home goalkeeper late in in the first period.
Owusu and Campbell worked hard upfront harassing the defenders in posession but as the half wore on, Brentford started to have lapses of concentration and it took a fine save from Bankole to keep the score tied.
Martin Allen gave his team talk and sent out a second half team of:
Clark Masters
Michael Dobson
Sam Sodje
Marcus Gayle
Darius Charles
Paul Brooker
Ricky Newman
Eddie Hutchinson
Charlie Ide
Isaiah Rankin
Scott Fitzgerald
Looking to impress new boys Brooker began taking the Staines defenders on and switching from wing to wing, the defense held firm though but early in the half Brooker fired a warning shot just over from 16 yards.
Rankin who held the ball up excellently also hit the post in the second half and began dominating in the air, as both sides eased of, making sure no injuries would be carried into their next games, the pace slowed almost to a halt and the chances and entertainment disapeared with it.
An good game for 75 minutes, the Bees deserved to win despite the best chance falling to Staines. The new Brentford players seemed to fit in well and at times the away sides movement was a little to much to handle for Staines however they did well to match the professional side and much credit must be given to them for the way they played.