Marvin Williams hailed the fighting spirit which rescued a point for a 10-man Bees last Saturday - then re-iterated his willingness to step into the breach now Nathan Elder finds himself suspended for his red card against Notts County.

Elder was sent off after only eight minutes against County - rookie ref Stuart Attwell having considered the striker to have raised an elbow in an aerial challenge.

It looked rough on the striker, who was just back after serving a suspension for a dismissal at Gillingham before Christmas.

The club lost an appeal against the decision by Attwell, who gained notoriety for a 'ghost goal' he awarded for Reading at Watford a few months ago.

Williams was supportive of Elder but is ready to step in and help out again up front during his team-mate's four-game ban. It is a role he has filled already this season.

"I didn't see it [Elder's sending off] but a few of the lads did and they said he didn't even touch the player in his face," Williams told the Gazette.

"Nathan was distraught. He feels like he's let the lads down. He's just come back as well which makes it worse, but the result has helped a bit.

"Hopefully it will give me a chance to establish myself in the team a bit more if I do get to fill in for Nathan again.

"I've said from day one I believe I'll be a striker so hopefully it will give me a little chance to move up front, especially with Deano's [Dean Bowditch] loan ending as well.

"I do see myself playing up front here and hopefully this will give me my chance."

It is the second time the Bees have managed to pick up a point after being a man down - they managed the same trick at Gillingham, although that red card for Elder occurred later in the match.

Their ability to survive against the odds, which has helped them achieve an impressive nine game unbeaten

run in the league, is all down to the great spirit flowing through the squad, according to Williams.

"Team spirit has been so important in the form we've shown recently," said Williams.

"Hopefully we can look back at the end of the season and say that these are the games that got us promoted. The spirit the lads have shown to come back is unbelievable.

"With 10 men we have had to change our systems, but I think we've done well. To get a result after being a man down for most of the game is great.

"Looking at the other results as well it makes it a massive point. It makes it even better when teams around us have dropped points."

Williams continued: "The lads are all in good spirits. We're all supporting each other, even the lads on the bench have a part to play in what happens.

"The team spirit is fantastic and will play a massive part. At the moment coming in to training is just great and we're really enjoying it.

"A lot of the credit has to be given to the gaffer and Bully [assistant coach Terry Bullivant]. They've managed to develop a good team spirit and resilience.

"We're all around about the same age. There's a great togetherness between us all in the club and we're all heading in the same direction, which is a massive reason why we're doing so well."

The Bees have seen a number of loan signings come and go during the season - Bowditch is the latest to depart, having been recalled by Ipswich. But Williams does not think this has affected the chemistry of the team.

"The loan signings that have come in haven't really upset things either. The gaffer's been really thorough in terms of what he's looked at in the loan market. He's not just brought in anybody for the sake of it.

"Most of the time the signings have worked well, so that's why a lot of credit goes to him and Bully. They've been really clever with who they've brought in. They have looked at personality as well as skill when they've brought players in.

"You've got to really look at it closely as there could be one or two bad apples that might upset the team.

"All the players we've had in have been good lads with the right mentality and have slotted in well. We're a welcoming bunch of lads and anyone who comes in we like to welcome them with open arms."

Match Summary BEES (0) 1 NOTTS COUNTY (1) 1 Line-up: Hamer; Osborne, Bennett, Phillips, Wood (Poole 84); Williams, O'Connor, Bean, Dickson; Elder, MacDonald. Subs not used: Brown, Newton, Halls. Attendance: 5,465 GOALS: Facey (12), Phillips (90). MoM: Mark Phillips 

Next Up: MACCLESFIELD

Moss Rose Saturday 3pm League Two

Manager: Keith Alexander Position last season: 19th Form Guide: Now in their fifth season in the league, the Silkmen have struggled in their last three but are not far off mid-table this time around. The problem has been too many home defeats - seven so far compared to four wins.

Players to look out for: Simon Yeo is top league scorer with six goals. Town have used 26 different players and have only one league everpresent - keeper Jonathan Brian.

Most recent meetings: Brentford 1-0 Macclesfield Tn (4 Oct 2008); Brentford 1-0 Macclesfield (8 Mar 2008); Macclesfield 1-0 Brentford (6 Nov 2007) - League Two Head-to-head record: MT Wins: 1 BEES Wins: 2 Draws: 0

Match Facts: This will be only the fourth clash between the clubs and there have only been three goals in the previous meetings. Glenn Poole hit a 90th minute winner at Griffin Park last season, while Charlie MacDonald settled matters in October. Macclesfield won the first ever encounter between the clubs last season - Danny Thomas netting a 76th minute winner for the Silkmen.

Forecast: Bees to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games with a sixth away win of the season.

In Midweek: ALDERSHOT

Griffin Park Tuesday 7.45pm League Two

Manager: Gary Waddock Position last season: 1st Conf Prem Form Guide: Ran away with the Conference title last year to return to the league after an absence of 15 years. They have done well at home, losing only once in 13 games,but away it has been tougher with three wins and seven defeats.

Players to look out for: Former QPR boss Waddock has benefited from the loan signing of Scott Davies from Reading. The 28-year-old midfielder has eight league goals to his name so far.

Most recent meetings: Aldershot Tn 1-1 Brentford (18 Oct 2008) - League Two; Brentford 2-1 Aldershot Tn (1 Apr 1989); Aldershot Tn 0-0 Brentford (18 Dec 1988) - Old Div 3. Head-to-head record: BEES Wins: 17 AT Wins: 10 Draws: 12

Match Facts: The sides exchanged penalties earlier this season - Glenn Poole's cancelling out one from Scott Davies. This will be the first clash between the clubs at Griffin Park since the 1898/9 season when goals from keith Jones and Tony Sealy gave the Bees a 2-1 win. Aldershot last won at Brentford nearly 32 years ago (1-0) and they have lost on their last three visits.

Forecast: Bees to make it a perfect week with another home win.

Gazette forecast success rate: 18 out of 26 (69 per cent)