Town's new Dutch signing Pim Balkestein netted his first goal for the Blues as the senior side defeated Brentford 2-0 at Griffin Park. Danny Haynes netted the second, rebounding his penalty after the Bees' keeper had saved.

Richard Naylor and Gareth McAuley were left back in Suffolk due to minor injuries and their absence handed Dutch summer signing Pim Balkestein his first appearance for the Blues since his move from Heerenveen.

The first half was a typical early pre-season game with neither side giving it their all. Town were restricted to efforts from distance from Owen Garvan and Jon Walters, while Tommy Miller sent a freekick over the bar.

Brentford actually went closer to scoring on a couple of occasions with Shane Supple forced into making one finesave.

The Blues had failed to really get their passing going with too many of the midfield – David Norris and Alan Quinn in particular – failing to find blue shirts on too many occasions.

Only Tommy Miller and Pim Balkestein, who won a number of headers at the back alongside captain for the night Alex Bruce, came out of the 45 minutes with much credit.

The Blues were better after the break with Danny Haynes replacing Norris, who is only just back in full training after his heel surgery.

Balkestein, who impressed his new fans throughout, opened the scoring in the 58th minute when he headed in Danny Haynes's cross. The 6ft 4in tall 21-year-old made his way for every freekick and corner and it looks like he could prove to be a very potent threat from set pieces.

The second goal came nine minutes later after Danny Haynes had been pulled back inside the area. The striker took the kick himself, but the keeper saved, only for Haynes to nod in the rebound.

Town had already had chances to add to their lead with Alan Lee, one of a number of subs, hitting the bar with a cross shot just prior to Haynes's goal. As the match wore on the Blues, who were much better in the second half, dominated and should have added to their lead.

Lee and Jordan Rhodes went close with headers and Lee with a shot. The Brentford keeper made two good saves from Danny Haynes, who made a strong impression with his running at defenders.

Late on Alex Bruce cleared the ball off the Town line, but overall the Blues backline and Shane Supple had a quiet second period. Bruce made way for young Kurt Robinson soon after, David Wright taking over the captain's armband. Earlier Jaime Peters had come on for a rare appearance at right-back.

Most Town fans will go home talking about Pim Balkestein who was very impressive both at the back and when coming forward. The Dutchman appeared to suffer a slight knock before being replaced by Tommy Smith not long after the hour mark.

The Blues deserved their win, eventually showing their superiority over the Brentford side in the second half after a slow start to the game.

Town: Supple, Casement (Peters 72), Wright, Garvan (Trotter 60), Bruce (captain) (Robinson 80), Balkestein (Smith 68), Norris (Haynes 46), Miller (Roberts 60), Couñago (Rhodes 60), Walters (Lee 60), Quinn (Sumulikoski 60). Unused: Ward.

Photo: Action Images

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