Ryan Woods wants to use the bright spell Brentford had against Chelsea as a springboard for Tuesday's game for Aston Villa.

The Bees, 2-0 down after goals from Willian and Pedro, had chances to get back into the game but were denied by Asmir Begovic. Branislav Ivanovic made the game safe before Michy Batshuayi scored from the spot.

Recent form has seen Brentford win just two of their last eight games which has seen a season that ignited hopes of a play-off push meander into what looks like mid-table mediocrity.

Despite that Woods believes had the Bees replicated their outstanding performances this season then they would be in the upper reaches of the Championship challenging for promotion.

He added: “It is all about consistency, we’ve showed a lack of that and I think that is why we are where we are in the league. I think if we’d showed some consistency we’d without a doubt be up there and challenging.

Ryan Woods attempts to stop Willian

“We’ve got to put performances in like the one we did against Newcastle and bit parts against Chelsea and I’m sure we’ll be climbing the league.”

Despite a 4-0 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup, Dean Smith’s side did show, in patches, what they are capable of and were made to rue several missed opportunities early in the second half.

It mirrors the impressive display they put in at home to promotion chasing Newcastle United a fortnight ago where they were unfortunate to lose the game 2-1.

However, sandwiched between those two performances was a disappointing reverse to relegation threatened Wigan Athletic – a game which the Bees will have expected to take something from.

Nevertheless Woods has denied that his team mates only raise their game for the big occasion and said consistency of performance is their Achilles heel and not their mentality.

He said: “I’d obviously really like to say no (that Brentford are complacent) because, I know me personally, it never crosses my mind and I’m sure it’s the same with the lads.

“I think sometimes that is just the way it is, that is why football is so frustrating because sometimes you’re not at your best.”