Brentford 2 - 0 Tranmere - The fanzone view

Brentford played their second home match of the season in front of 5438 fans. They needed to improve after the Port Vale game having lost 1-0.

I managed to grab a word with Jay Tabb before the game. He does not know why his squad number was moved from 8 to 11. The pitch was in perfect condition and it was a lovely summer afternoon.

Brentford started the stronger and forced two of their 11 corners in the first couple of minutes which were both dealt with by the Tranmere defence.

It was a very end to end game with quite a few offsides being given. In the programme there was a piece on the officials of the game explaining the offside rule and why assistant referees flag it late.

Stuart Nelson produced a wonderful save which did his confidence the world of good to prevent Tranmere taking the lead. However if it had gone in it would have been ruled out for offside.

Brentford took the lead in the 23rd minute. A delightful through ball from Paul Brooker was collected by Jay Tabb and he placed the ball with his right foot into the bottom left hand corner of the goal to give Brentford the lead. Tabb had been on fire for the Republic of Ireland Under 21s in midweek by winning them 2 penalties and continued his good form today much to the delight of the home fans.

Ian Goodison was then booked for a reckless challenge on Lloyd Owusu.

The game then went back to its end to end style and the Bees entered the break 1-0 to the good. Tranmere made their first substitution at half-time with Bruce replacing Linwood.

Brentford had the best possible start to the second half by going 2-0 up within 5 minutes of play resuming. A Kevin O’Connor cross was met by the head of Eddie Hutchinson from the 6 yard box to put Brentford 2-0 up.

Tranmere responded by bringing on Jennings for Michael Jackson. He had not been a thriller in the game and was effectively told to beat it.

Tabb was then rightfully booked for a reckless challenge on Jennings which prompted Martin Allen to take him off to prevent a red card. He left the arena to a standing ovation from the Griffin Park faithful as he was replaced by Scott Fitzgerald.

Tranmere made their last substitution by bringing on Davies for Hume who had not had his best performance in a Tranmere shirt

Steve Davis was booked for a bad challenge on Sam Sodje and had to run the risk of being sent off for another offence.

Martin Allen then brought Joe Keenan on for his home debut for the club in the 80th minute replacing Paul Brooker. Mark Rankine was then booked for hand-ball. Martin Allen then killed some more time by bringing on DJ Campbell for Isaiah Rankin.

Tranmere tried to get one back but were unable to. Brentford took the 2-0 win and all 3 points. Due to other results going our way Brentford are now back at the top of the league!

Brentford
S Nelson, K O'Connor, S Sodje, M Turner, A Frampton, I Rankin (84 D Campbell) , E Hutchinson, M Dobson, J Tabb (65 S Fitzgerald) , P Brooker (80 J Keenan) , L Owusu
Subs: A Bankole, S Fitzgerald, M Gayle, D Campbell, J Keenan

Tranmere
J Achterberg, P Linwood (45 A Bruce) , M Jackson (58 S Jennings) , I Sharps, I Goodison, S Aiston, J McAteer, M Rankine, G Roberts, I Hume (66 S Davies) , C Greenacre
Subs: A Bruce, S Jennings, S Wilson, D Harrison, S Davies

Ref: C Penton
Att: 5438

Possession:
Brentford 45% - 55% Tranmere

Shots:
Brentford 8 – 5 Tranmere

Corners:
Brentford 11 – 4 Tranmere

Fouls:
Brentford 20 – 18 Tranmere

Bookings:
Brentford 1 – 3 Tranmere

Many thanks to Mr. Rawad Marrouche for his proof reading and ideas!