Brentford lose to Watford in final pre-season game

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Brentford lost 2-1 in their final pre-season friendly at Griffin Park after Watford came from behind following Ollie Watkins’ early goal.

Watkins – a summer transfer target for Premier League sides Bournemouth and Crystal Palace – was quickest to react from close range after Emiliano Marcondes’ free-kick was saved.

Bees right-back Henrik Dalsgaard, making his first appearance since returning from the World Cup with Denmark, hacked into his own net to equalise for the Hornets.

And former Brentford striker Andre Gray scored what proved to be the winner before half-time after a mistake from keeper Daniel Bentley gifted him the chance.

Chris Mepham – also a transfer target for Bournemouth this summer – returned after sustaining a knock in the Bees’ friendly at Borehamwood to form a partnership with new signing Ezri Konsa for the first time.

But Brentford, who are trying to sign another centre-back option in Olympiacos’ Bjorn Engels, looked sloppy at the back as they let go their 1-0 lead.

The hosts also lost striker Neal Maupay to a knock early in the game and he was replaced by B team prospect Marcus Forss, who continued impressive pre-season form but missed a good chance late on.

Brentford: Bentley (Daniels 60); Dalsgaard (Clarke 60), Konsa, Mepham (Barbet 60) Yennaris; McEachran (Mokotjo 75), Sawyers (Woods 75), Marcondes (Macleod 60); Benrahma (Canos), Maupay (Forss (Judge 75)), Watkins.




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