Brentford Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 29/04/2004

SATURDAY marks the last home game of the season for the Mariners, but never in years have the stakes been higher. Anything less than a win for Town would virtually send them down to division three, but a win would give the club some real hope of survival.

The Mariners could drop into the basement league on Saturday for the first time in fifteen years if we lose, and results go against us. Alternatively, if we win, we have every chance of survival going into the last game of the season at Tranmere. The fans have had their say, the fans will back the team, but it’s up to the players.

The Opposition

Manager Martin Allen. Nicknamed "Mad Dog" for his unique and determined style of management, Allen was one of the most respected managers outside the football league up until his appointment as Bees manager in March. He replaced Wally Downes, after a poor spell of games that saw Brentford plummet to the foot of the table. Allen has made a great impact on the club, and Brentford are unbeaten in his seven games in charge so far. The Team A key figure in defence in recent weeks has been ex Colchester captain Scott Fitzgerald (left), who is on loan from the Layer Road side. Partnering him usually in defence is Ibrahim Sonko, a Senegalese player who joined the club in August 2002 and has been a regular fixture since, clocking up nearly 80 appearances. In midfield is ex-Palace player Stephen Hunt, who has struck 12 goals this season. 19 year old striker Matt Harold was the hero last week when he came of the bench to score the equaliser at home to Wycombe, and could be in contention for a start on Saturday.

Recent Form

Town Brentford L Stockport (a) 1-2 W Rushden (h) 1-0 L Blackpool (h) 0-2 L QPR (a) 0-3 W Sheff Wed (h) 2-0 Currently 22nd in Division 2. D Wycombe (h) 1-1 W Barnsley (a) 2-0 W Colchester (h) 3-2 D Sheff Wed (a) 1-1 D Chesterfield (h) 1-1 Currently 18th in Division 2.

Top Scorers

Town Brentford Jevons 13 Anderson 6 Hunt 12 Tabb 8

Team News

Town Brentford The Mariners will hope to welcome back the influential Jamie Lawrence after missing the past three games. However, his replacement in midfield, Stuart Campbell has performed well of late, and with Lawrence not being 100%, he might only be on the bench. Though with it being such a big game, we expect Lawrence will play in the centre of midfield. Craig Armstrong has had the results back on his thigh strain and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Darren Barnard, Jason Crowe and Stacy Coldicott are all expected to return to training following knocks and be ready for the big game. Elsewhere, Phil Jevons could be preferred to Darren Mansaram up front with the lively Graham Hockless, who scored last week of course, stepping into midfield. The Bees travel to Grimsby without striker Tommy Wright, who has returned to Leicester injured. Danny Thomas, Lloyd Blackman, Stephen Hughes and Lee Fieldwick, who were all on loan at Griffin Park, have been released by Martin Allen, who has informed them they are no longer in his plans.

Probable Teams

Town Brentford Alan Fettis Jason Crowe Darren Barnard Tony Crane Mike Edwards Iain Anderson Graham Hockless Jamie Lawrence Stacy Coldicott Phil Jevons Isiah Rankin Stuart Nelson Michael Dobson Ibrahima Sonko Scott Fitzgerald Ronnie Bull Eddie Hutchinson Stuart Talbot Jay Tabb Stephen Hunt Ben May Kevin O'Connor

Subs

Town Brentford David Soames Stuart Campbell Simon Ford Paul Warhurst Darren Mansaram Matt Harrold Matthew Somner Alan Julian Joel Kitamirike Steve Evans

Last Time Out

The last time Town player Brentford was the last time Town won away from home – over four months ago! The game was 1-1 for the most part, with Stephen Hunt scoring from the spot after ten minutes, before an Iffy Onoura goal before half time leveled the scored. The introduction of Marcel Cas though sparked a Town revival and Michael Boulding scored two goals in the last eight minutes to give Town victory. Town Team: Davison, McDermott (Groves, 79), Crane, Edwards, Barnard, Campbell, Hamilton, Crowe, Anderson (Cas, 77), Onuora, Boulding Subs: (not used) Mansaram, Jevons, Young Brentford Team: Smith, Dobson, Sonko, Kitamirike, Somner, Rougier (Hughes, 71), Hutchinson (Smith, 73), O'Connor, Hunt (Harrold, 86), Tabb, May Subs: (not used) Julian, Rhodes Attendance: 4,685    Report Brentford Head-to-Head (24th on The Opposition Ladder).

Prediction

Fishy prediction: 2-2. Not enough, I fear Reader's POMs

Directions

Click on the link for directions to Blundell Park (left).

Admission Prices

Click on the link for ticket prices to Blundell Park.

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