Brentford V Swindon at Griffin Park : Match Preview

05 May 2013 18:01
Brentford V Swindon - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Tie too close to call - MacDonald

Swindon manager Kevin MacDonald believes it is too hard to call the second leg of their npower League One play-off semi final with Brentford on Monday night after his team suffered a late setback at The County Ground.

Kevin O'Connor thundered in a last-gasp spot kick to wipe out the Robins' one-goal lead, handed to them by Tottenham loanee Massimo Luogno's fine effort.

The former Aston Villa caretaker coach believes it could come down to which team recovers fastest before the clash at Griffin Park, a ground which has been something of a fortress for the Bees this season.

"We think we are evenly matched so it will be about who recovers quickly and gets that little bit of luck," he said.

"Whether that is a decision or a bit of magic to win the game.

"The players have to get physically and mentally ready. We hope they'll all be fit and rested up.

"We are still both in the tie and it comes down to this one off game. It is still very exciting and there is a lot to play there.

"There is no clear favourite, even though they have the best home record in the league. But we feel we can play as well away from home as we do at home. We always think we have a good chance anywhere we play."

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler revealed that the short gap between games is likely to see him rotate his squad.

"I didn't chose Saturday's team with Monday in mind," the German said.

"At this stage we have to go with what we feel is the best starting 11 for that particular game.

"We were not concentrating on Monday, we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

"I expect them (Swindon) to play a little bit differently and I think there will be definitely be fresh legs. We have a good squad and we've shown that in the past."

Monday's match is Brentford's first home game since the dramatic finale to their clash with Doncaster.

Added time saw a last-gasp winner from the visitors seconds after the Bees had missed a spot-kick, which earned

Doncaster the League One title and sentenced the Bees to the play-offs.

Rosler is sure the positive vibes he felt on Saturday will continue back home

"I expect from the fans exactly what we had on Saturday," he added. "They turned up in good numbers and turned up in a very positive frame of mind.

"They supported us and left the ground happy. We need a good performance to make that happen and a full stadium will always help."

Source: PA