Brentford picked up a deserved point on the road with a creditable 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough, however they will be kicking themselves that it wasn't all three.

They took a first half lead from a free kick when the home defence failed to pick up Yoann Barbet, who headed home.

However, Boro were back on level terms in the second half when Martin Braithwaite fired home after the Bees failed to clear a free kick.

Brentford, though, were back in front after Josh Clarke's mazy run saw him play the ball out to Florian Jozefzoon whose cross was turned home by Ollie Watkins.

However, the hosts were back level when Josh McEachran lost the ball in the Boro half and from the break, the Bees just couldn't clear and Fabio equalised.

The hosts had a claim for a penalty when Cyrus Christie theatrically went down in the box but it was waved away.

Below are five talking points to take from the game.

Here we go again

Ollie Watkins celebrates his equaliser against Derby

Brentford deserved more than a point against Middlesbrough and it has been a common theme throughout the season.

The Bees were better than Boro over the course of 90 minutes and can count themselves unfortunate not to come away with all three points.

It was the familiar failings though; a lack of cutting edge in both boxes. Brentford missed some good chances and were just unable to clear their lines on two occasions and were punished. They did take fewer risks with whacking the ball into row z used on more than one occasion.

Let's face it, would you have taken a point at kick-off? I think most Bees fans would have.

Rubbish Referee

Paul Tierney will certainly not be on Dean Smith's Christmas card list after an unprofessional and rude act at full time.

While it's unclear what the Brentford head coach previously said to the official, the fact he refused to shake his hand speaks volumes.

He had a shocking performance and turned down at least two excellent penalty shouts; when Kamo Mokotjo was tripped and Ollie Watkins was clattered.

He was the official who disgracefully sent Jake Bidwell off against Leyton Orient in 2013 for two 'bookable' offences.

A return to Griffin Park in the near future is not looking likely.

Mighty Mepham Power Rangers

Chris Mepham at Brentford FC v Kaiserlauten FC, Brentford Football Club, Griffin Park, Brentford on 23-07-2016. Credit - Lewis Darling

Chris Mepham made his first Championship start and did not look out of place in the side.

Injuries have ravaged the Bees, meaning the academy product came into the team and he produced a confident performance, dealing with the threats of Britt Assombalonga and co.

After a difficult first start against Norwich, the character the 19-year-old has shown to bounce back from that has been hugely impressive.

Who cares if he supports QPR? It's what he does on the pitch for Brentford that matters. I can see Mepham making many more Championship starts and, as he develops, potentially some Premier League ones.

Cultured Clarke

Josh Clarke celebrates his goal

First off, let's all just hope that Rico Henry's knee injury is not as bad as first feared. His absence will leave Brentford with a massive hole in defence.

Josh Clarke came on in his place and it was the first time I can recall him playing at left back in a competitive fixture.

He produced a capable performance and was still able to push forward, playing his part in setting up Ollie Watkins' goal.

Of course, there's the Andreas Bjelland or Yoann Barbet option as well when the Dane is fully fit again.

Midfield Maestros

Kamo Mokotjo

Kamo Mokotjo, Ryan Woods and Nico Yennaris were all superb in the midfield as Brentford overran Boro.

Mokotjo nipped in and made key tackles and should have won the Bees a penalty. However, his attempts to play on meant that Tierney didn't point to the spot.

Woods had what I will refer to in future as a 'Woodsian performance' – he didn't put a foot wrong and performed brilliantly.

Yennaris, though, was like a pitbull in the middle. He was charging into tackles and spreading the play and, for me, he was the man of the match.