Alan Judge reckons Brentford showed the adaptability and determination that has made them play-off contenders in Saturday’s victory at Reading.
Judge opened the scoring at the Madejski Stadium seven minutes after kick-off and it looked as though the Bees would have it all their own way.
However, the Royals more than played their part and had 18 shots on goal to Brentford’s 14 but Steve Clarke’s team lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
James Tarkowski’s crucial header shortly after the hour mark settled the nerves and Mark Warburton brought on fresh legs to help see out the remaining quarter of the match.
The Bees had not kept a clean sheet since February before the 2-0 win over the Royals and Judge was perhaps more pleased to see his defensive pals keep Reading at bay than to score himself.
He said: “I’m delighted to get another goal, I’ve been setting them up but not had enough go in myself.
“We haven’t kept a clean sheet in 12 or 13 games so 1-0 was always risky. We have not defended so well, so it was nice to do that other side to our game today.
“Today was a different game from us. We defended well. We are normally the ones who keep the ball, and have all the chances.
“Another good following today shows how good our fans are, and they’ve enjoyed watching us play, especially away from home.
“This team is exciting. We don’t play boring football. Our manager has one way of playing, and he sticks to it, and never panics.
“He lets you play your game. His way is a foreign mentality, and has learnt from coaching all over the world, and for me I am very happy in that.”
Warburton's side are seventh in the table on 75 points, just two behind sixth-placed Derby and three behind fifth-placed Ipswich Town going into the final round of fixtures.
Brentford must beat Wigan to stand any chance of making the end-of-season lottery and rely on Derby losing to the Royals or Ipswich going down at Blackburn, where goal difference could also come into play in an exciting climax.
Judge added: “The pressure is on Derby and Ipswich to be honest.
“Blackburn have got two on form strikers in Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes, they won’t be a pushover at Ewood.
“We have got to worry about ourselves, and if something happens, it happens.”
