Bees’ travel plans paying dividends

BRENTFORD enjoyed a mini-renaissance after Athletic turned them over on their own ground.

The 3-1 win at Griffin Park in October came courtesy of goals from Dean Furman, Chris Taylor and Dale Stephens and left the Bees bottom of the table, with nine points gleaned from their opening 11 matches in npower League One.

But even in that game there were signs that Andy Scott's side were capable of shooting up the table.

It wasn't to be on the day for Brentford. But in the 12 matches that followed this home defeat, the team won six times.

As the Bees prepare for Saturday’s visit to Boundary Park, results haven't been so impressive and the team are without a win in their last five games in all competitions.

It is possible that the distraction of a possible Wembley appearance is having an adverse effect on form.

Brentford drew the first leg of their Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern semi-final on Monday 1-1 with Exeter, with Gary Alexander equalising an earlier Jamie Cureton effort at Griffin Park.

But Athletic manager Paul Dickov will certainly be aware of Brentford's good record on their travels during this campaign.

One of only four sides — Hartlepool and strugglers Walsall and Dagenham are the others — to have gained more points away from home (17) than at home (15), the Bees have won five times on the road so far. No team in League One can top that.

In goal scoring terms, Alexander is the main man for Brentford.

The former Hull and Millwall striker has nine to his name this season — and has managed to find the net against top sides, too.

Brentford won't be able to call upon David McCracken for the game at Boundary Park.

The defender has joined Bristol Rovers on a month's loan and he becomes the sixth player to depart in the January transfer window.