Shock slump by Bees 'a one-off' insists Frank

Julian Taylor at Brentford Community Stadium

Thomas Frank vowed that Brentford would not undergo a repeat of Sunday’s Championship collapse, after a 4-2 defeat at home to Preston North End.

During what was a surreal encounter at rain-soaked Brentford Community Stadium, the Bees blew a 2-0 half time lead, when the visitors came back and displayed a clinical nature while exposing defensive frailties by the hosts.

Brentford’s record signing, Ivan Toney, appeared to have made life comfortable, helping himself to a brace – until the collective malaise seeped in. The Lilywhites, sensing opportunity, stormed back and two from Scott Sinclair, allied to further goals by Brad Potts and Sean Maguire ensured all three points were going back to Lancashire.

It was both an unexpected and brutal lesson for the shell-shocked west Londoners, particularly in the wake of knocking local rivals Fulham out of the EFL Cup last week.

To add to what was a day to forget, Bees midfielder Christian Norgaard suffered an ankle injury early on before being replaced, with the Dane now missing his country’s upcoming clash against England.

Overall, Frank insists the events were essentially of a freakish nature.

“I’m 100% sure it’s going to be a one-off,” insisted the Brentford head coach.

“We weren’t complacent, but you could see in the first half that we lost the ball too easily sometimes. We will never concede four goals again in the Championship this season.

“Our cup run has been amazing and I’m overall pleased with our other performances in the league this season, so I’m sure this is a one-off.

“We needed more composure on the ball – I think the first half was okay without being fantastic. Preston fully deserved to win and congratulations to them. But we will work even harder and will be ready to face Coventry after the international break.”

Meanwhile, Frank left in-demand Bees’ star Said Benrahma on the substitutes’ bench due to fitness concerns. Brentford are still bracing themselves for a bid for the mercurial Algerian before the end of the transfer window, with West Ham and Crystal Palace reportedly interested.

“I hope that one of the best offensive players in the division stays with us, but if not then I wish him all the best,” added Frank. “He had some minor injuries and setbacks in pre-season and he wasn’t back to his full fitness level.

“That’s the reason I took him off against Fulham. In fact, I played him 10 minutes too much in that game, so he couldn’t start today.”