Kevin O'Connor reckons Brentford's hard-earned point at Walsall on Saturday could turn out crucial come the end of the campaign.
The Bees extended their astonishing unbeaten run to 15 games as Clayton Donaldson's goal helped Mark Warburton's men to a 1-1 at the Bescot.
Leyton Orient leapfrogged Brentford into top spot, but captain O'Connor reckons it was another big step towards promotion.
He said: “That was a very good point but I think we’ll all see it as an excellent one at the end of the season.
“The mood afterwards was really good because we had to defend really well to see it out and we did that without letting them get too many clear sights on goal.
“We didn’t create too much but you’re not always going to create hatfuls of chances every week, especially away from home.”
In an end-to-end battle, which would not have looked out of place in the Championship, the Bees had to dig deep after the break.
“Walsall are a very good side and they like to play football like us, but the fact that we have a few out shows just how much strength in depth we have here,” added O’Connor.
“When you think about the quality of people like Adam Forshaw, Sam Saunders and Harlee Dean who weren’t here you realise that this is very much a squad thing.”
O’Connor admitted the players were unsure of the new club record they would have set with a win, but added: “The only real stat we’re interested in is the one that says where we are in May.
“The same goes for being top. Personally I’d like to stay top until the end of the season, but I’ve been in this situation before and the only thing that matters is where you finish.”
Versatile O’Connor has slipped seamlessly into the centre back berth alongside the commanding Tony Craig, who he says has made his return easy.
“Tony is always talking and I know that is why I’m enjoying it in there so much at the moment. Walsall have a lively front three and we did well,” he said.
“We probably didn’t create enough to win it, but we’ll be looking to put that right on Friday night against Gillingham.”
