Frank buoyed by returns of Raya and Dasilva

Thomas Frank was heartened by the returns of David Raya and Josh Dasilva on an otherwise disappointing day for Brentford.

They went out of the FA Cup, losing 4-1 at Everton in former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard’s first match in charge of the Merseyside club.

However, on a positive note for the Bees, goalkeeper Raya made his return to action after more than three months out with a knee injury.

And Dasilva, fit again after a hip injury, came on as a second-half substitute for his first appearance for a year.

Head coach Frank said: “It was so good to see David Raya out there again today and he played a good game. But we know he will also raise his standards over the coming weeks.

“Josh Dasilva’s return made me smile. We’ve lacked the quality on the ball he can bring. But he has quite a few more steps to take before he’s at his top level.”

Raya wasn’t helped by some woeful Brentford defending at Goodison Park, where goals from Yerry Mina and Richarlison put the home side in control before Ivan Toney’s penalty gave the visitors hope.

Mason Holgate’s goal effectively sealed the win for Everton and Andros Townsend netted in stoppage time.

Frank said: “They only had four chances and were very efficient in converting them all.

“I think we looked very energetic, especially in the first half. We pressed high and with intensity. But on the ball we lacked a little.

“The big disappointing thing is we conceded two set-piece goals. Both set-piece goals we conceded were avoidable.”