First-half goals from Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins saw Brentford to a comfortable victory over the Blues at Griffin Park. Maupay slammed home the opener in the 20th minute, moments after Collin Quaner had hit the post for the Blues when through on goal, then Watkins netted the second eight minutes later after the Bees made the most of a Flynn Downes error.

Downes, Trevoh Chalobah, Toto Nsiala and James Bree returned to the Town starting line-up with Cole Skuse, James Collins and Gwion Edwards all dropping out of the 18.

Downes came into the midfield for Skuse, while Nsiala took over from Collins at the centre of the defence. Bree was at right-back with Josh Emmanuel dropping to the bench.

Chalobah was back in midfield, while Dozzell was in a role on the right similar to the one Alan Judge, facing his old club, plays on the left, with Quaner again the central striker.

Simon Dawkins and Tristan Nydam were among the subs but there was no place in the 18 for Will Keane, the striker still considered not ready for his return from his hamstring injury.

Neither side made much headway in the opening 10 minutes, although the home team saw most of the ball, with the only serious action a nasty looking late and high challenge by Bees skipper Romaine Sawyers on Teddy Bishop which surprisingly didn’t see referee Andy Davies show his first card of the evening.

On 11 Maupay tried to play through Watkins but the ball was overhit and Bartosz Bialkowski claimed. Four minutes later, Bree tried similar at the other end and his pass was also too strong for Judge.

Town began to see more of the ball and in the 19th minute Bishop was sent away down the left by Judge but his cross towards Quaner was cut out.

A minute later, the Blues should have gone in front. Dozzell sent Quaner through on goal, the on-loan Huddersfield man took the ball wide of keeper Luke Daniels and chipped goalwards but his effort stuck the post and bounced out.

Town were immediately made the rue the miss with Brentford breaking up the other end and taking the lead, Maupay slamming home from eight yards after his initial attempt had been blocked by Bree following good work from Said Benrahma.

Having taken the lead the Bees had their tails up and soon after the goal Benrahma hit a powerful strike from 25 yards but which was straight at Bialkowski.

Moments later, Watkins was found on the right of the box and his low shot was well-saved by Town’s Polish international keeper.

In the 28th minute Brentford made it 2-0. Downes slipped midway inside the Blues half - hardly the first Town player to lose his footing - and gifted possession to Sawyers, who fed Maupay. The earlier scorer played to Benrahma to his left and the Algerian passed across the six-yard box to Watkins, who was able to tap home with comfort at the far post.

Dozzell curled a shot to keeper Daniels on 33 but the home side continued to look the greater threat with Maupay eventually getting crowded out on the edge of the box.

The Frenchman, whose movement was giving the Town backline all sorts of problems, almost made it 3-0 on 38 when fed in on the edge of the box by Benrahma but he shot wide.

The Blues were fortunate to reach the break without conceding a further goal with Maupay and Benrhama in particular having caused no end of problems throughout the half.

The first Brentford goal was a microcosm of Town’s season, the Blues having created an excellent chance which Quaner had been unable to take before Brentford were immediately allowed to take their first chance at the other end.

The Bees’ second goal came from the sort of slip which has happened too often throughout the campaign.

Aside from Quaner’s chance the Blues had failed to create anything with the home side’s backline solid.

Five minutes after the restart, the Bees again went close to their third, Benrahma’s looping shot scuffed the outside of the angle of post and bar from Sawyers’s ball in from the right. Moments later, the Algerian scraped another effort wide.

Nsiala was booked for an awkward-looking challenge on Maupay on halfway on 54 which led to a brief bout of handbags before order was restored.

Benrahma shot wide again on 57 after a strong run from Rico Henry, then at the other end Judge, unable to influence the game as much as he has other recent matches, shot well over from an angle on the right.

Kayden Jackson took over from Quaner in the 61st minute with the Blues showing little sign of getting back into the game. A minute later, Maupay went just wide for the Bees.

Nydam replaced Bishop in the 66th minute, the 19-year-old’s first appearance under Paul Lambert.

The excellent Benrahma and Maupay were replaced by Sergei Canos and Emiliano Marcondes in the 72nd minute with Bees still comfortably retaining their two-goal lead.

Mads Bech Sorensen was booked for a foul on Jackson, then in the 75th minute Judge forced Daniels to tip over with a curling, looping effort from distance on the left. The keeper subsequently just about held on to Dozzell’s corner from the right. Five minutes later, Idris El Mizouni replaced Chalobah in the Town midfield.

Judge should have netted his first goal for the Blues against his old club in the 81st minute when sent away on the edge of the box to the right after El Mizouni had won the ball from Henry but hit his shot the wrong side of the far post.

The Bees continued to look the more likely scorers of the game’s third goal until referee Davies’s whistle ended a well-deserved victory which was never in any doubt once their two first-half goals had been scored.

The West Londoners, who were well in control from virtually start to end, might well have been further in front at the break and had chances to add to their lead in the second, while Daniels in the Brentford goal was only really troubled by Judge’s effort he tipped over and the former Bee’s shot wide later in the half.

The Blues, whose large support kept singing in the manner which has become so familiar in recent weeks, passed the ball around at times but without ever dominating Brentford and rarely threatening their goal.

With Reading eventually drawing 2-2 with Norwich, Hull defeating Wigan 2-1 and Millwall drawing 0-0 with QPR, Town’s relegation to the third tier for the first time in 62 years is still to be confirmed, but remains just a matter of time.

The Blues, who are now 14 points plus goal difference from safety with five left to play, host Birmingham City, who drew 1-1 with Sheffield United at St Andrew’s, on Saturday.

Brentford: Daniels, Odubajo, Henry, Maupay (Marcondes 72), Watkins (Forss 87), Dasilva, Sawyers (c), Benrahma (Canos 72), Jeanvier, Konsa, Bech Sorensen. Unused: Balcombe, Macleod, Dalsgaard, Oksanen.

Town: Bialkowski, Bree, Chambers (c), Nsiala, Kenlock, Chalobah (El Mizouni 80), Downes, Bishop (Nydam 66), Dozzell, Judge, Quaner (Jackson 61). Unused: Gerken, Knudsen, Emmanuel, Dawkins. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire).

Photo: Pagepix

RobsonWark added 22:44 - Apr 10 Still playing Chambers...enough said! Please do us a huge favour and announce your retirement from football Chambers. I pray that one day you will get injured and be out for the season but that will never ever happen as you NEVER do anything!!
-4

RobsonWark added 22:46 - Apr 10 algarvefan Jackson doesn't have a clue how to run the line...he is always offside.
1

algarvefan added 22:47 - Apr 10 goat_man did you think Chambers played badly tonight, because I didn't.
5

TimmyH added 22:52 - Apr 10 @Walk the Wark...yeah but then Brentford missed 2 good opportunities on top of the 2 they scored in the first half and had numerous half chances which they fluffed. We were clearly outplayed in the middle 30-40 minutes of the game.
5

runaround added 22:53 - Apr 10 Lucky it was only 2 as we defended poorly all over the pitch. Played a few good bits of football but never really looked like scoring. First goal sums us up, we hit the inside of the post when we should have scored then seconds later conceded at the other end. The sooner we are mathematically relegated the better then we can put it behind us & start the process of trying to get the club moving forward again

2

Walk_the_Wark added 22:56 - Apr 10 TimmyH, yes I would say outplayed for most of it. I think my point is that better teams would've taken the easy chances and come away with a point despite playing badly. If you multiply that throughout the season we wouldn't be where we are
1

runningout added 23:06 - Apr 10 apparently we're going to get some good news soon. Don't think so! Bigger clear out required than some think. Plus sorry to be bearer of bad news. It isn't a gimme that if your youth is good, the future isn't bright. Normally opposite! Would be nice to change this trend
3

Northstandveteran added 23:06 - Apr 10 0 shots on target, 1 up front. Remind you of a previous manager we used to have? And Timmy, loved the word ' fluffed ' That really took me back to the jumpers for goalposts days 😁
5

MickMillsTash added 23:48 - Apr 10 Worrying- outclassed by a good Brentford team Clueless at defending against their movement up front- Lambert should have made sure at least one of Downes or Chalobah played deeper and helped cover - but again found I think Lambert was found wanting tactically Dozzell, Bishop, Downes all passengers tonight- Kenlock exposed, Nsialla Panicing - lets hope they learn Things might be better with a better centre forward but where is he going to come from? Going down, Going Up- No chance on that tonight

7

Mariner1974 added 01:01 - Apr 11 Kenlock has me transfixed every time I watch him. I just never know where he's gonna be next. All I know is he's never playing left back. Is he aware that's the position he's down at playing on the team sheet?
3

osseyseleven added 01:31 - Apr 11 I'm not sure who all these great talented young players are who we have who are going to be at the heart of the team which bounces straight back in to championship at the first attempt..... Kenlock - slow , and useless , always out of position Emmanuel - very average Bishop and Dozzell - will both get beat up in league one Nydam - tiny Downes - probably the best of a very average bunch Lankester - might be ok in a experienced team Anyone thinking these players will have any impact in league one is deluded.........After watching that tonight we will be a mid table league one side , the support is great but it is misguided.........The traveling fans tonight should have sung EVANS OUT all game.....

6

shakytown added 01:37 - Apr 11 If anyone thinks this bunch of league I and 2 no hopers will dominate next season is severely delusional. All of our so called wonder kids are just that kids and will be shoved around and outclassed n league 1. Defensively we are awful at best our midfield is soft and lacks any class and we just do not have any decent strikers on the books at all. Massive rebuild is the only hope but where are the funds going to come from??????

7

Dolphinblue added 07:59 - Apr 11 Skuse was missing and this had an effect, Chambers brilliant as usual, our youngsters need to understand that...... Lifes battles dont always go to the faster or stronger man, But sooner ot later the man who wins, Is the man who thinks he can! All that needed is a positive vibe from players and fans......
-3

ShropshireBluenago09 added 08:34 - Apr 11 We had a young team out there tonight and Brentford had a very experienced team and it showed. Thought Downes played well after his mistake and N'Siala was very good again, but Dozzell, Bishop, Quaner, Bree, Chambers were all poor and looked disinterested at times. Going to Shrewsbury!
2

dukey44 added 09:07 - Apr 11 Can I ask a question? Where is the motivation coming from our club captain? Cause for this season he's never been at the races? Time to change captain for next season..... Oh and he's signed a new deal.. Why?
2

warktheline added 09:11 - Apr 11 @Dolphin, 🤣😂🤣 @shropshire, on a much more serious note, your last paragraph very disturbing! Ever so easy being a Ipswich player, no pressure applied whatsoever regardless of results and league positions! Is Lambert the man to turn this sleepwalking club around ? Wasn't happy at his appointment, he's still not convincing, continues to play players at the core of on and off field demise of club status! How fitting ( not ) Cowley and bro are now within touching distance of ‘parity' between both clubs! Who's your money on to create a ‘widening gap' between both clubs next season?

4

ShropshireBluenago09 added 09:43 - Apr 11 @Warktheline - the loanees, Bree and Quaner in particular, were a waste of time last night. I much prefer Emmanuel to Bree and Quaner was only in the team as he scored 2 last game. Bishop and Dozzell are both clearly good footballers but they are not what is required for league one IMHO. Too lightweight, weak in the tackle, no presence. Lambert is deceiving. Talks the talk, makes friend with legends, rally cries the fans, praises the owner. He has cleverly bought himself time by doing this. On the flip side, once again we have had injuries that havent all together helped the cause.

6

dirtydingusmagee added 09:53 - Apr 11 just another predictable poor result in a disasterous season . As much a i have always supported PL and like the way he has changed the atmosphere around Portman rd,I MUST say im now having doubts about him. For first couple of months i was happpy with the way he was changing things but throughout his time results have been nothing short of dire. Hence we are diving out of the level for first time in over 60 years.He had a difficult task but we have not made any inroads in getting out of botto position at all.Lge 1 is not going to be a walk in the park. Sad times.

8

oldelsworthyfan added 10:12 - Apr 11 This was an all-round dreadful performance -as simple as that. I would welcome a clear-out, starting with Manager, Captain and most of the so-called playing staff. Sorry to be feeling this way, but after watching last night's performance (and sleeping on it) I feel it has to be said.
2

Mariner1974 added 10:15 - Apr 11 @osseyseleven Kenlock - Total agreement. He just doesn't know how to play left back. Emmanuel - Big unit, could be solid. Needs game time experience with us. Bishop, Dozzell, Lankester - These three players are all quality, but need some physical presence around them to allow them to shine. Think Bishop does have great all round game. Can run with the ball, beat a man, and isn't afraid to get back and tackle. For me he's our star. Dozzell starting to look more of a presence and has the rare quality of knowing how to pick a pass. Loved what I saw of Lankester before he got injured. He could be a diamond for us. Nydam - good on the ball, showed some neat touches when he came on. I haven't seen enough of him, but could be a useful squad player. Downes - He feels a bit Hyam to me. Love for him to do well, but feel we need a physical presence in there alongside Skuse. If Huws will be fit 2020, then i could see him in there alongside Skuse, or we buy a brute to scare people. Toto- I think will do well next year. I rate him. Could imagine him and Woolfenden alongside each other as time goes on. Of the new purchases, Nolan and Gwion, I think will be strong next season, and Kayden and Ellis have the hunger to do well, but need an experienced noggin alongside them which we lost in McGoldrick and then Walters for that short stint. Want Bishop to play the position which Judge holds at present. For all the huff and puff of Judge, Bishop should be our No.10. Can see why they shipped Judge out last night. He just wouldn't fit into that Brentford team now with their physical presence and athleticism. We do have some talented kids, we just don't have many of the big physical presence brigade besides Emmanuel and Woolfenden. Desperately need a new left back when Knudsen goes as Kenlock will be our weak weak link, and a super solid tackling defensive midfielder to help out that defence.

4

martin587 added 10:16 - Apr 11 Our best defender is playing at Swindon.We need to build round him for next season.Nsiala is ok but too erratic at the moment.Until we get a good solid settled back four we are going to struggle next season and we must play two up front. Div1 is a totally different ball game.Knowhere near the same as the championship.Most teams play without a plan and just run at you,I know because I also watch a lot of Southend's games and believe you me it's a hard league and very strange football at times.We have to adjust very quickly otherwise we will be in trouble.Just my thoughts though.

6

TimmyH added 10:25 - Apr 11 Dolphinblue - being positive isn't going to improve anything (maybe morale on the training ground)...Lambert is proof of that right now, he's been here nearly six months and results haven't hardly improved have they? unless we're playing a similar team just as poor as us!
5

Gazelle added 10:26 - Apr 11 Excuse me but who is this Huws ?
1

RRanger added 11:13 - Apr 11 Amongst all the predictable dross from some I thought your last post Mariner1974 was excellent.
-2

chalky added 11:52 - Apr 11 Let's have a total clean sweep. Evans and Lambert both out. They have led us into the abyss. Lambert's results, despite a lot of talking, have been dreadful and last night's performance was woeful, underlining the fact that nothing that Lambert has done has actually improved performance. I'm ashamed to support a club that once boasted the likes of Ray Crawford, Ted Phillips, Mick Mills, Brian Talbot, John Wark and Terry Butcher. These were real giants. The present team, thanks to Evans, are pygmies.

5

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls