Brentford boss knew that Charlton Athletic would provide tough test

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said he always knew last night’s derby against Charlton Athletic was always going to be a challenge.

Macauley Bonne scored an eighth-minute opener for the Addicks in Tuesday night’s Championship fixture at Griffin Park.

But Brentford hit back in the final 15 minutes as Said Benrahma’s penalty and Ethan Pinnock’s headed goal ensured the west Londoners kept up the pressure on second-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Frank said: “I knew it would be difficult against Charlton.

“A nice little stat is that of the current top four teams they [Charlton] have only lost tonight against us. They beat us last time and beat Leeds. Two times they draw with Fulham and West Brom. So they are very good against the top sides and they showed that today.

“They are very, very difficult to break down. All respect to them. I think they will survive and stay in the Championship.

“We’ve been talking a lot about what we would do about a setback during a game or if we lost a game. We haven’t conceded in I don’t know how many minutes, so once we conceded we need to move on and keep doing what we’re doing.

“We knew over time we could create enough chances. It was about patience and moving the ball – we did that better in the second half.”

PICTURE BY KYLE ANDREWS