Brentford manager Thomas Frank commended the debutants who played a crucial role in the team’s narrow 1-0 victory over Colchester in the Carabao Cup. The match saw goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson saving a late penalty in his debut appearance for the Bees, securing their spot in the third round where they will face Leyton Orient at home.
The winning goal came just before half-time through Keane Lewis-Potter, although it was surrounded by controversy. Colchester felt hard done by as they believed there was a foul on defender Aaron Donnelly by Kevin Schade in the build-up to the goal. Despite the protests, the goal was allowed to stand, sending Brentford through to the next round.
Frank was particularly impressed with Valdimarsson’s performance, highlighting his dominance in the box during the second half and his crucial save from the penalty. The manager also praised the other debutants, including Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho, who showed promise in their first starts for the team. Ben Mee’s return to the starting line-up was also a positive for Brentford.
Speaking about Carvalho, Frank noted his improvement throughout the game and his growing influence on the pitch. He expressed satisfaction with the young player’s full debut and saw potential for further development. Van den Berg, despite a shaky start, quickly settled into the game and showcased his abilities, earning praise from the manager.
The match was not without its tense moments, especially when Valdimarsson denied Colchester an equaliser by saving Jack Payne’s penalty. The Icelandic goalkeeper’s heroics secured Brentford’s passage to the next round, where they will aim to continue their cup run.
Overall, Frank was pleased with the team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges faced by the debutants in adjusting to the game. However, he was impressed by their resilience and ability to step up when needed. The victory against Colchester may have been narrow, but it showcased the depth and talent within the Brentford squad as they progress in the Carabao Cup.
