Just back after a very long away trip. 1st time at the KC which was my main reason for going, a pretty nice stadium if you like the modern bowls, with elements of others we've visited in the championship (Derby, Cardiff and particularly BHA on one side). It was all a bit flat with the relatively small crowd more noisy in their protests towards their owner than bothered about the game or us. Generally they seem a friendly lot, proper football people and respectful of BFC. Plenty of cheap, if a bit scruffy, pubs to try around the ground / town. A chance to catch up with many old Brentford faces over a few beers, so what's not to like?
As for the game, well not much to add that anyone reading won't already know, 2 changed teams illustrating the depth of their squad and bare bones of ours. We were neat and tidy and possibly better in possession for spells, whilst they did more with theirs, and once they had a lead never let go - whilst holding a bit back in reserve. We struggle to compete with the power, pace and physical nature of the sides above us, i'm proud of the way that we try to play, but it has limitations when we cant hold the ball up front against big defenders, or keep out these powerful forwards who literally bully us.
Swift and Djurcin really struggled and at times it felt like we were having to carry them bot,h as they lost possession time and time again. Djuricin clearly knows he's going, as for the 2nd consecutive game he ran straight off at the end without acknowledging Bees fans. Button did well to stop the softest penalty I can recall, they hit the bar - and that's about it.
We've done very well to turn things around recently, and the likely top half finish is genuine cause for
optimism. MB's wisdom (which at times i've questioned) has won the day, coupled with an overall improvement across the club in key areas when it was needed. That shouldn't mask some of the mistakes that have been made, things that can and will be improved upon, and in my view the surprisingly average standard of the division this season.
All I hope for is a good performance and result on Saturday, which will more than justify the approach taken to last night's game. Visiting Hull also makes me realise how lucky I am to live where i do, and that isn't at all meant as a dig at them or their city. We have opportunities down here that just don't exist in many of these places.