Bees v Birmingham Match Reports

[Letchbee]

Didn't get to the game today, watched the goals on sky. Probably was a pen but CD seemed to go down very easily. Great comeback for the point?

 

[mundee4england]

He's Lionel Messi in disguise according to some on here.

Quicker and stronger than Messi, although Lionel is probably a better passer of the ball.

 

[Mick.C]

Moses Lifts us as 10 Men make their Point

Warburton will sip on his glass of red tonight knowing he and his team produced when needed as the Breadman out thought his counterpart Lee Clark and his 10 man team outfought Birmingham to grab a share of the spoils.

All had looked a little different earlier as the Brummies sped out of the blocks and chased after us like greyhounds after the hare as we struggled to win any first ball. Captain Craig instead of going on his customary meet and greet patrol let a left long crossfield punt bounce, up and over him as Clayton got goal side. Craig panicked and with hands all over Donaldson like he was an airport security officer doing a frisk, Clayton went down in a heap.

Referee Madeley pointed to the spot and pulled a red card to match Tony's face. Craig doesn't make many errors but we all grimaced as this one had put us 1 down in scoreline and men as Caddis sent Button the wrong way. Nil 1, 10 men versus 11 with 75 minutes to play this was going to be a tough watch.

Jota was sacrificed and Warburton used his best sign language and muttered "siento" to our Spanish newbie who had flicked and looked fancy in his cameo on the right wing. Dean muscled on bristling with intent and annoyance that his Championship debut was just beginning. Harlee didn't disappoint he was imperious as he nutted every clearance and let Donaldson and Thomas know he was only a growl behind them, his mood and display lifted the crowd.

But we were against the tide. Wes Thomas headed over from 8 yards goal gaping, a shocking miss. Then a corner across and Novak met it plum centre with his head 5 yards out straight at goal, we all feared the worst, Button shot his hand up like a child knowing an answer to a question to push it over, a stunning reflex save, one of the best and New Road stood to applaud, it was that good. Today Button arrived as a Championship keeper, top drawer.

Thomas through 1 on 1, Button dived at his feet, another goal thwarted but like the boxer taking blows we were on the ropes hanging on. Half time came and it sounded like a bell rather than a whistle to us all. Then the Breadman weaved his magic, sub number 2, Dallas on for the ineffective Smith but second half we hung on for the first ten as we gave the ball away like the Jehovahs handing out leaflets at Twickenham!

But we pushed up, Bidwell on an overlap into the area, Gray waved a leg, over Jake went, ref Madeley pointed goal kick, the crowds anger kicked into life, this turned the game in hindsight as our midfield burst into life, Dallas moved the ball telepathically with Pritch, a fine combination, Dougie and Judge and Alan Mac our Irish trio got stuck in, Tarky and Dean mopped up brilliantly.

Judge tested Randolph from 20 yards, he spilled it, Andre Gray a great back heel and turn in the first half to test his defenders running scared, then met a cross on the run in the box and Randolph saved and parried away, good save, we were trading blows and the Blues were looking as uncomfortable and tight as Lee Clark's ill fitting suit! :eek

The Breadman threw the dice and on came Moses at right back for Alan Mac, a master stroke, pace from the flank, Grounds the left back, lost control on half way and Moses nipped in, Grounds lost ground as Odabajo sped away, a heavy touch too far but our million pound man was like the six million dollar man as he got to the ball first and lifted it over Randolph and lifted the roof off Griffin Park. 1-1 and we were all up and dancing. The Brummies stood in silence, perfect stuff.

We finished stronger and it seemed it was only draw on paper, we left cheering our manager and team whilst Birmingham scowled and cat called theirs. Lee Clark may not be around for the re match at St Andrews. A point gained rather than two dropped, but more than that, character in abundance and in Button, Douglas and Dean there were three top performances, We have arrived in the Championship, Warburtons' team don't look out of place, so on to Tuesday and its time to address the pecking order and the immediate direction of two West London clubs, Bees Up Fulham Down, it's gonna be fun.

 

[Herbert]

To be honest, I don't think Lee Clark will last too long there, especially with comments like "In fact, they looked like they had the extra man."

I'd do my nut if I supported Birmingham hearing that.

he's right though. I'd be more pussed off if he said different

 

[Herbert]

Didn't get to the game today, watched the goals on sky. Probably was a pen but CD seemed to go down very easily. Great comeback for the point?

He never went down easily for us !!

 

[hypa123]

He never went down easily for us !!

He did, on numerous occasions.

 

[Sean]

I think people coming on make great claims to a starting place next time.
Dean was excellent. Dallas and Odubjo combined so well and Odubjo defending was only overshadowed by his goal. We might have found a new right back.
Button made one save that was akin to Gordon Banks V Pele, exceptional save.

 

[GP200]

He never went down easily for us !!

..............most certainly did...............

 

[red_and_white]

I'm going to really miss our Griffin Park. When all sides sang in that second half it was something quite special. Great performance and superb game!

 

[mally99]

That felt like a win today playing with 10 men against 12 (including referee) ,we looked better side for most of game and great substitutions at good times meant we kept it alive and got a deserved point.

 

[SlumanBee]

Craig definite red and a pen. He put a soft header back to Button, got caught out, went to make amends - and brought Clayton down. Poor decision from Tony which we aren't used to.
Agree with Jota going off, we needed proven players out on that pitch - hence why Smith stayed on. Who holds the ball well and looks useful.

Wes Thomas should have scored in the first half with his header and Button made two exceptional stops. T he second, an absolutely unbelievable tip over the bar.
Embarrasing from Clarke and Brum second half -

We were brave and brilliant second half.
Dean, Button and Gray. We deserved our equaliser and a great goal it was.

Gray was brilliant - ran his socks off, made great runs, chased every ball. Yes, he made some mistakes as did most of our players (especially Bidwell and Mac in terms of keeping the ball) - and he holds off and turns defenders so naturally. Still didn't get a shot on goal today, but my word - did he put a shift in.

Fantastic and what we deserved. Experienced the hospitality suite today too - very, very good.

 

[B-Reg]

Surprised everyone's not going more nuts. Thought that was the most we've outplayed a team for ages in the 2nd half and have no worries about our status in this division. We are so fit and move the ball so fast that I reckon we will have plenty to trouble a lot of teams this season. They were all great and the subs were inspired. We played with so much confidence in the 2nd half, relentlessly playing our passing game, and Clarke is bang on that we looked like we had the extra man and I for one am slightly disppointed that we didn't win it. However, as someone said to me on the way out, that 1-1 felt like we'd just thumped them a 6-1 or something. Loved it!

 

[fencer/bee]

just got home, am I first ? ....first half *****, second half awesome ...feck me what a referee ... so proud of the lads great comeback , another 10,ims we would have won

 

[buzzybees]

I'm going to really miss our Griffin Park. When all sides sang in that second half it was something quite special. Great performance and superb game!

It was rocking! More of the same Tuesday me thinks!

 

[Tom the bee]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

 

[mally99]

I clapped him today ,He always gave 100 % for this club,can only think the people who booed didn't go most weeks to see our promotion season

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today.

 

[whyteleafebee76]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

Slight overreaction I reckon, Its all part of the pantomime of the game. In general CD got a mixed reception but certainly not a bad one, he got plenty of applause and a song from Ealing Road which he acknowledged just before kick off. Its football people move on and in CD's case he was playing for a rival a few weeks after leaving. Most remember him fondly and acknowledge the part he played in getting us promoted.

 

[Freebee]

I think people coming on make great claims to a starting place next time.
Dean was excellent. Dallas and Odubjo combined so well and Odubjo defending was only overshadowed by his goal. We might have found a new right back.
Button made one save that was akin to Gordon Banks V Pele, exceptional save.

Agreed m8 i think Dallas and Odubajo combine and complement each other superbly on the right side,they both work hard,can defend and overlap.It would allow Macca to move back into the middle to give us some bite along with Dougie.
Odubajo started his career at rb i think and no one expected Macca to be able to play there when he was shifted to that spot and i'd like to see us try it on tues when we play F*****.

 

[Newport Pagnell Bee]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

Didn't clap, didn't boo, didn't like the way he left the Club. Did appreciate his performances when he played in the red & white.

 

[belvederebee]

BBC website describes goalkeeper Tony Craig being sent of for a foul on CD and sub keeper David Button keeping Bs in game. And taxpayers' money is being spent on this shoddy reporting.

 

[Sydney Bee]

According to the BBC website.

Goalkeeper Tony Craig was sent off after fouling former Bee Clayton Donaldson in the box and Paul Caddis put away the resulting penalty.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28815291

 

[hatfieldbee]

The way Clark acts on the touchline leaves me in no doubt he thinks he must be perfect, as his Uwe type antics, but worse, indicate that his players never do what he wants. Shades of AS! As for the ref and linos, we thought we were hard done by, but Clark was having a go at them when the odd decision went against them, conveniently forgetting all the dodgy favourable decisions. Everyone makes mistakes except Mr Lee Clark!

 

[Oldmead]

Didn't clap, didn't boo, didn't like the way he left the Club. Did appreciate his performances when he played in the red & white.

Same...there is a right and a wrong way to do business. All he had to do was release a statement saying that he wanted to be nearer family and thank Brentford and the fans and he would have had everyones respect. For some reason this was beyond him, a real shame as he always gave 100% in the shirt.

 

[Hullbee]

Clayton getting booed deserved he left us toss pot!!!

Cotterill getting booed deserved for some reason he really doesn't like us the finger to the lips after the penalty toss pot!!!

In terms of the game Dallas was outstanding

 

[banburybee]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

lighten up fantastic second half and our crowd made the difference. They leave thus they are dead to us!

 

[Headbee]

A true game of two halves. In the first half we were bullied and outplayed and Brum had many golden chances to increase on their one goal lead from the silly mistake by Craig and his dismissal.
Luckily Button was inspired and pulled off three good saves to keep us in it.
Note:- we must play the ball out from the back more quickly and more accurately as we've been sussed on this and are now closed down very quickly by opponents.
The second half improved with the introduction of Dallas and then Odubajo and we were more direct and showed more pace - leading to the deserved equaliser.
Note:- the refereeing was rotten at times and seemed almost biased against us - the foul on Bidwell was even more a certainty than the one given in the first half and we didn't get several other obvious fouls either.
A great response and a great atmosphere, but we've got to raise our game from the start of games if we are to be comfortable in this division.
Note:- How was Judge awarded MOM? He had a stinker in the first half.

 

[brentfordfc4ever]

Why didn't the ref book bidwell if it wasn't a penalty?

The brum penalty was fair enough, TC shouldn't have let the ball bounce, but Clayton got in front and stopped waiting for TC to go into the back of him. Funny thing is, when Pritchard did the same thing 2nd half near the dugouts looking for a free kick, the ref waved play on.

There was also a high tackle studs up from a brum player on Judge I think, just in front of dugouts - seen players sent off for way less, I don't think the ref even gave a foul.

Anyway, important point today and I thought our fight back second half shows real character and good decisions from Warbs got us a point.

good post but i am sorry but Grey was immense today. a real find.

Button - 9: outstanding saves and kept us in it in the first half.
Bidwell 7: got forward well 2nd half, thought Spector and cotteril over ran him a bit first half.
Craig 4: mistake letting the ball bounce, clumsy type challenge.
Tarks 6: one or two good interceptions when he nipped in front of the attacker, but gave the ball away and missed a few headers
Mac: 6: usual energy and determination, but lacked quality on the ball and defensively caught out a few times.
Douglas 7: thought he was good overall, looked after the ball and closed down well.
Pritch: 8 a real player, makes things happen in the opponents half with dribbles and flicks, needs to work off the ball as well but such a threat
Smith: 6 took one too many touches a few times, needs more games I think.
Judge: 8 loads of energy and some real quality on the ball, like it when he turns and runs through the middle.
Jota: 7 some nice touches and can't wait to see more, can't fault him for anything.
Gray 5: I think he is carrying a knock, mobility didn't look right especially in second half. I think he should of scored when tarks nodded back across and when ball over the top and he was past the last slow brum defender, he checked back and started looking for support rather than going for the one on one. Also, when we had the ball in advanced areas I felt he could of worked harder In between the centre backs and between the centre back and full back. Looked a bit static to me.

Dean: 8 great performance, TC may have a job getting back into the team.
Dallas: 8 great energy and increased our intensity second half, growing into a really good player.
Moses: 8 took the goal brilliantly and actually defended quite well as well.

Overall, came out of the game feeling really positive. Support was brilliant today and played a huge part second half.

 

[brentfordfc4ever]

sorry but grey as superb today my friend

 

[The H]

Note:- we must play the ball out from the back more quickly and more accurately as we've been sussed on this and are now closed down very quickly by opponents.

to be fair this closing down only works for the first 20-30 mins, because its bloody hard to do for a long time, if we tough it out we will be fine. Last year it was 17.50-26.25 mins due to the L1 fitness levels....

Birmingham actually gave up at 57.33 mins coz they aren't as good as the BEES.!!

 

[LewisLeBee]

Seeing the highlights on the FLS confirmed my thoughts at the time. It was not a penalty or a red card for Tony Craig, he hardly touched Donaldson who went down very easily.

Anyway, what a great game, the spirit of the fans combined with the players made the best draw I have ever seen. Brilliant stuff. I'm loving the Championship...

 

[grepo]

...again.

Clayton getting booed deserved he left us toss pot!!!

Cotterill getting booed deserved for some reason he really doesn't like us the finger to the lips after the penalty toss pot!!!

In terms of the game Dallas was outstanding

 

[West Wilts Bee]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

If your talking about Andy Scott, he was sh*t. Simple as.

 

[CRitch87]

sorry but grey as superb today my friend

Yeah I saw a few people saying that :-S ..... Must have missed it!

Did nobody else see the trotting back from offside positions and the general lack of movement for most of the game? ;-)

 

[West Wilts Bee]

Very good game today, I wish Craig had just tried to make the tackle and stay on the pitch. I also think we need to break up opposition moves more in the middle of the park, in other words a bit earlier. But what a great 2nd half Stuart Dallas is now beginning to look a class act, he was well up for it when he came on. the 2nd half performance from the lads was special, also the fans, GP was rocking BfC is just a great club to support,

 

[West Wilts Bee]

Yeah I saw a few people saying that :-S ..... Must have missed it!

Did nobody else see the trotting back from offside positions and the general lack of movement for most of the game? ;-)

Rubbish Grey is a good player in the making, give him a chance ffs . he has just came up three divisions. Of course he is going to make mistakes. Our coaches will make him a better player just as they have done Dallas.

 

[Newport Pagnell Bee]

Yeah I saw a few people saying that :-S ..... Must have missed it!

Did nobody else see the trotting back from offside positions and the general lack of movement for most of the game? ;-)

I saw one loss of concentration in the first half where a ball was put through & he didn't read it at all. I'm not even sure he was looking. However, the poor bugger was out on his feet by the end. That's a bloody tough position to play & I thought he had a good game. Good save by the keeper to deny him in second half too.

 

[ladbroke]

Seeing the highlights on the FLS confirmed my thoughts at the time. It was not a penalty or a red card for Tony Craig, he hardly touched Donaldson who went down very easily.

Anyway, what a great game, the spirit of the fans combined with the players made the best draw I have ever seen. Brilliant stuff. I'm loving the Championship...

I'm sorry but I disagree. It was a penalty (and I do love your bit where you said he 'hardly' touched him - technically, you don't have to make contact for something to be a foul as the intention can get you sent off as well, but in this case, he tugged him and CD went down) but I can understand the arguments for Craig not to be dismissed. It was only because he was directly in front of goal 15 yards out that he went. Anywhere else and a yellow would have been issued at best. I've seen penalties given in similar situations (and worse) where sometimes not even a card is shown.

As for the Bidwell appeal, it was a penalty for me. Whether he made contact or not (as the highlights doesn't show it accurately), Bidwell has knocked the ball past him and the Brum player has gone in with his foot at chest height on Jake and he has gone down. If it wasn't a penalty, he should have then been booked for diving. I think the referee felt contact was made but not worthy of a penalty, which is a ridiculous decision in my opinion.

 

[King John]

Gray is going to be a legend - time will tell. Wait till he starts to get some service from our midfield which went missing in the first half and Warbs needs to sort it out and get a settled team.

 

[West Wilts Bee]

Just to piss off the fan haters fans, he is not a patch on Warbs. FACT.

 

[SmiffyBee]

I'm sorry but I disagree. It was a penalty (and I do love your bit where you said he 'hardly' touched him - technically, you don't have to make contact for something to be a foul as the intention can get you sent off as well, but in this case, he tugged him and CD went down) but I can understand the arguments for Craig not to be dismissed. It was only because he was directly in front of goal 15 yards out that he went. Anywhere else and a yellow would have been issued at best. I've seen penalties given in similar situations (and worse) where sometimes not even a card is shown.

As for the Bidwell appeal, it was a penalty for me. Whether he made contact or not (as the highlights doesn't show it accurately), Bidwell has knocked the ball past him and the Brum player has gone in with his foot at chest height on Jake and he has gone down. If it wasn't a penalty, he should have then been booked for diving. I think the referee felt contact was made but not worthy of a penalty, which is a ridiculous decision in my opinion.

Clayton was clever and slowed suddenly to give the ref no option on the pen. Not a red for me though.
Bidwell's in the 2nd half was another clear pen but he didn't give it. We can feel aggrieved.

Overall very satisfying that we dominated the 2nd half with 10 men. Credit to Warbs and team for raising the players spirit.

One issue was the lack of aggression or intent in the box. We were getting the crosses but no one was attacking them. In the box. Tommy ! Where were you ?

 

[Eieieio]

No need for a massive comment as most of it has already been said. I would add

- We should definitely have had a pen before theirs when Andre Grey was hauled over..
- Andre Grey ran his arse off today. He's not quite put it all together yet but he will be one hell of a player for us.
- I don't agree that we look lightweight in midfield. We look vulnerable there in the early part of games until we get our passing going and retain the ball. Today that took a lot longer to come good. It's important that we start sharper in midfield.
- Jake seems to be finding the step up tough, but he has the quality to deal with it.
- We got a result today because our team was fitter, quicker and had more quality than the opposition. It feels good to say that!!

I think you've got all of that about right, sir.

 

[CRitch87]

Rubbish Grey is a good player in the making, give him a chance ffs . he has just came up three divisions. Of course he is going to make mistakes. Our coaches will make him a better player just as they have done Dallas.

I agree with that, I wasn't talking about his future potential I was talking about his performance today... It's all opinions.

 

[CRitch87]

I saw one loss of concentration in the first half where a ball was put through & he didn't read it at all. I'm not even sure he was looking. However, the poor bugger was out on his feet by the end. That's a bloody tough position to play & I thought he had a good game. Good save by the keeper to deny him in second half too.

Yeah interesting, I hope I am proved wrong but for me when our midfield had it today he was square and a bit static, not saying he won't ever be a good player for us just think he could improve by looking for the ball a bit more?

I was surprised he was so knackered by the end of it, good pre season and run of games, whereas Dougie in midfield was still box to box.

 

[Leicester Bee]

Definitely a red. His foul on Clayton denied a goal chance.
Gray has shown signs of improvement already. He did quite well imo.

 

[Bush Tuckerman]

Probably the most accurate match report you can find:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28815291

Nice honest assessment from Clark..wouldn't really want to be hearing that as a Brum fan though

 

[nocoat]

I booed Clayton as he is now the enemy.tom you are only a kid try and enjoy your youth before becoming a sensible miserable old sod

 

[Basil Brush]

I'd like to ask all those who booed Clayton today why they felt it necessary to do so.

That our fans are booing an individual, who played a pivotal and decisive role in our promotion, due to his decision to change clubs- a decision both rightful and justifiable given the lure of higher pay- astounds me. It's not the first time i've come across such ludicrous fickleness, such unjustifiable anger on these boards- first it was Scott, then Uwe, now CD. Perhaps this is a over-exaggeration, perhaps my idolisations of these people are tainting my vision, but I believe that without their help and massive contributions to BFC we would not be at the lofty heights we are today. He deserved more respect today.

Well said, thought the booing was unnecessary for a player who did so much to get us into this division.

 

[Bee4ever]

Full marks to MW . Firstly for subbing off Jota for Harley,the other two Spaniards weren't used as MW realised that this was going to be a full on fight after Craig was sent off with no time for "pretty" play. Secondly he still kept two up front all match going 4-3-2,meaning Brum would always need to keep at least 3 at the back. It did leave us one short in midfield hence Brum having a bit more overall possession in that area.He also could see Brum were vulnerable down their left side, so he brought on Dallas at half time to exploit this.His substitution of Moses for Mac was the final masterpiece.Mac had played his heart out but MW knew that Moses could now exploit their left flank together with Dallas, and so it proved.
Full marks for our " conditioning" staff too. All the team showed much greater fitness levels than the opposition.
A very fit team with a master tactician in charge,we'll do OK this season

 

[blunstone]

Agreed m8 i think Dallas and Odubajo combine and complement each other superbly on the right side,they both work hard,can defend and overlap.It would allow Macca to move back into the middle to give us some bite along with Dougie.
Odubajo started his career at rb i think and no one expected Macca to be able to play there when he was shifted to that spot and i'd like to see us try it on tues when we play F*****.

good performance eventually and, like most, i would have taken a draw when we went one player and one goal down.

dallas must start!

 

[blunstone]

If your talking about Andy Scott, he was sh*t. Simple as.

he took us up on a small budget and with a far smaller squad. you were cheering when we went up!!!