Derby defeat hurt players – Bees boss

Brentford manager Mark Warburton said his players were bitterly disappointed after the derby defeat against Fulham.

The league is very much the promoted Bees’ priority as they look to settle in the Championship.

But a Capital One Cup tie at home to their west London neighbours – the first time the two clubs had met since April 1998 – meant a great deal to their fans.

And Warburton said after the 1-0 loss: “The players are disappointed, because they’re very aware of how much this game means to the supporters.

“The Championship is what we strove to achieve last year and it’s important we believe we deserve to be there.

“We’ve got five points and could have taken more, but I’m not underestimating the significance of tonight. It’s very disappointing. I didn’t want to go out.”

Brentford played their part in an entertaining game in which both teams created several chances.

But Warburton’s side were sloppy at times, particularly after Ross McCormack’s 67th-minute goal put Fulham in the driving seat.

“We didn’t really maximise the possession we had and we need to work on that,” Warburton admitted.

“I think all over the park we needed to take care of the football. When we do that we’re a good side.

“We lost patience and when there’s a 6ft 7in centre-back and a 6ft 5in goalkeeper there’s no need to knock the ball in – just look after the ball.”

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