Carsley’s Brentford reign ends with draw at Bolton

Bolton 1 Brentford 1

Brentford were held to a draw in Lee Carsley’s final match in charge as a second-half equaliser cancelled out John Swift’s early opener.

With new head coach Dean Smith watching from the stands, Chelsea loanee Swift was the first to impress with a curled shot from the edge of the box.

Bottom of the table Bolton, who revealed before kick-off their players had not been paid for November, almost hit back through Shola Ameobi, but Bees keeper David Button tipped his well-struck shot behind.

Brentford had two big chances late in the first half. Lasse Vibe wasted a one-on-one as Ben Amos blocked with his legs while Swift fashioned a volley into the ground which the keeper tipped over.

Bees skipper Jake Bidwell nodded wide early in the second half but Bolton’s gradual grip on the game was rewarded on 65 minutes when Danns latched on to a clearance and drilled in off the post.

Button then made an outstanding save from close range to deny Ameobi and James Tarkowski headed former Hayes winger Liam Feeney’s header off the line as the Championship strugglers pressed.

Changes in midfield helped Brentford reassert themselves and Vibe tried for the winner late on but Amos made an excellent save to earn a point.

Brentford: Button; Yennaris, Tarkowski, O’Connell, Bidwell; McCormack, Diagouraga; Woods (Canos 67), Judge (Saunders 80), Swift (Kerschbaumer 74); Vibe.
Subs not used: Bonham, Barbet, Gogia, Hofmann.