Andy Scott admits fatigue played part in defeat to Chesterfield

Brentford FC will take the extra few days rest the Dagenham & Redbridge game being moved to Monday night provides with both hands.

So says boss Andy Scott, whose side have six days to recuperate following last night's 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield - their sixth game in three weeks.

Scott gave the players yesterday off before bringing them in for light training today, ahead of starting preparations for the Sky-televised trip to east London.

And he admitted the recent run of games has taken its toll, with the Bees looking a bit fatigued in the second-half against Chesterfield.

Scott said: "It's been a really hectic period for us, but we've picked up some good points. We need a couple of days to rest our legs and then get back to it.

"There were a few tired minds and tired legs out there, and you get even more tired when you keep giving the ball away.

"We dominated in the first-half and could have gone ahead, but once they scored. They put a lot of men behind the ball, they defended well as a team and made it hard for us."

Jordan Rhodes, who left the ground on crutches, missed two first-half sitters for Brentford, while Charlie MacDonald's header from Sam Wood's cross was well saved by Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee.

But once Martin Gritton gave the visitors the lead with a stunning shot from outside the box, there only looked one winner.

If anything, Chesterfield looked like increasing their lead, with Drew Talbot hitting the post from a one-on-one.

But Lee had to be at his best to tip over an overhead kick from Marcus Bean as the Bees tried without success to salvage a point.

However, Scott insisted his side have not become a bad team overnight.

He added: "I don't think we needed a reality check, every team loses games, apart from when Arsenal went through the season unbeaten.

"We've only lost six this season, and every other team in the league would take being in our position.

"We will recover and be stronger for it. If we can pick ourselves up and respond to it, it shows we have character, and I have every faith that this group of lads will."