Brentford slumped to one of their most disappointing defeats of the season when they allowed an average Macclesfield Town to comfortably beat them 2-0 at Moss Rose on Saturday.

After a blunder from goalkeeper Ben Hamer right on half time, another individual error from Ryan Dickson on the hour mark allowed Macclesfield to take command of a game they never subsequently looked like losing.

Afterwards, a disappointed Andy Scott said: “We didn’t just gift them two goals we gifted them lots of opportunities. If that happens you lose the game."

Following Nathan Elder’s dismissal at home to Notts County Scott was forced into one change, with Jordan Rhodes – signed on a month’s loan from Ipswich Town – partnering Charlie MacDonald up front.

Brentford actually opened quite brightly and enjoyed the majority of the possession. Yet they were unable to find a way past a well organised Macclesfield defence that was content to hit the Bees on the break.

Brentford forced six corners in the opening half hour but clear cut chances were few and far between. A  teasing cross from Marcus Bean was well handled by Jon Brain inside his six yard box, before a low cross from Dickson on the left saw Sam Wood snatch at his shot and fire wide right of the post.

Hamer was called into action as half time approached when he made a good save from a fierce Danny Thomas shot. Yet three minutes late Hamer made a monumental error of judgement when he raced out of his box to meet a long ball. A moment’s hesitation between him and Alan Bennett allowed former on-loan Bee Emile Sinclair to nod the ball beyond them and race into the box for an easy tap-in to the open goal.

Brentford’s defence continued to look vulnerable at the start of the second half, with Mark Phillips slipping up  twice and allowing Sinclair to get in two shots on goal.

As the hour mark approached, a long ball down Macclesfield’s right wing caught the Bees defence napping and while Dickson did well to match Izak Reid for pace, he completely miss-judged his challenge inside the box to conceded a penalty. Gareth Evans gave Hamer no chance with a shot into the right hand corner of the net.

In an effort to get back into the game Scott changed both his wingers with Glenn Poole and Adam Newton returning to action, but neither was able to help their side find a way back into the game.

Scott now has much to reflect on before Tuesday’s hom match with near neighbours Aldershot and many will be interested to see if he chooses to shake up his side.