Frank: Bees should have won

Thomas Frank admitted that his Brentford side probably should have taken all three points against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

The Bees had to settle for a 1-1 draw amid wet and blustery conditions, with Ethan Pinnock heading his first goal for the club in the 19th minute to level, after Luksa Jutkiewicz forged the aggressive Blues ahead in a competitive encounter.

The result kept Brentford in fourth place in the Championship, missing out on the opportunity to go ahead of west London rivals Fulham, who surprisingly lost at home to Barnsley.

“We should have won but we need to take the chances we had and be more cool in the decisive moments,” said Bees boss Frank.

“It was a tough match in difficult circumstances, with wind, rain and a bad pitch but it was equal for both teams.

“After the first 15 minutes when we conceded a goal we got on top of the game. We showed great character and resilience, we are growing and made good chances in the second half.

“In the second half we dominated but they fought for second balls and we defended well. David Raya played made good saves too.”

Frank was pleased with new recruits from Oxford United, Shandon Baptiste, who started the game, and Tarique Fosu, a late substitute.

Baptiste was called into the visitors’ starting line-up due to Bryan Mbuemo’s ankle knock, although the striker will be ready for Brentford’s next outing against Blackburn Rovers.

“They (Birmingham) are a difficult team to play against as they are now 10 games unbeaten and they choose to go direct,” added Frank.

“They (Baptiste and Fosu) grew into the game. Baptiste grew into the game as it went on and we saw him make more of an impact in the second half. Tariq came in and did quite well too.”

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