Donaldson strike earns Bees a point

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Notts County 1 Brentford 1

Clayton Donaldson’s strike 11 seconds into the second half earned Brentford a point at Meadow Lane, where Uwe Rosler was sent to the stands.

The home side went ahead through Jeff Hughes’ penalty after Karleigh Osborne had fouled Alan Judge in the box.

But Notts County’s ex-Bees boss Martin Allen was denied a victory against his former club when Donaldson cut inside and fired in off the crossbar straight after the interval.

What had been a tepid affair sparked into life just before the half-hour mark, when Rosler appeared to prevent County’s Alan Sheehan from taking a free-kick after Jonathan Douglas had fouled Karl Hawley.

Referee Mark Haywood was unimpressed and the Brentford manager was given his marching orders.

Rosler’s afternoon got even worse when Haywood pointed to the spot having initially seemed content to let play continue after Osborne tangled with Judge.

Hughes gave Richard Lee no chance with the penalty, but Donaldson barely gave the 6,735 crowd – County’s largest of the season – a chance to take their seats after half-time before he belted in Brentford’s leveller.

Keeper Lee, who signed a new contract this week, then underlined his importance to his team by producing a fine double save, blocking Lee Hughes’ effort before reacting quickly to keep out Hawley’s follow-up.

Marcus Bean missed Brentford’s best chance of a winner when he headed wide from nine yards out.