Goal hero Ollie Watkins has pleaded with Brentford fans for patience following last night's frustrating draw against Derby County.
There were rumblings of discontent from the Griffin Park stands as the Bees struggled to break down an experienced Derby side, who took an early lead before proceeding to put 10 men behind the ball in an attempt to shut the game down.
The longer Brentford's probings came to dead ends, the more it looked like they would get nothing from a game in which they enjoyed 73 per cent of possession – until Watkins popped up with a late equaliser.
“It was hard to break them down, but we stuck at it and got a point late on,” said the summer signing from Exeter City. “It's difficult when they've got 10 players behind the ball.
“You've got to be patient, and fans have to realise it's hard playing against good players, and to break 10 men down. You have to keep passing and moving and waiting for that opportunity.”
Having already scored a couple of belters against AFC Wimbledon and Bolton this season, Watkins showed he can get in the right positions for simpler strikes too – his leveller coming from a few yards out as he latched onto a cross from Flo Jozefzoon.
It also put him top of the Brentford scoring charts for this season with four goals – one ahead of Neal Maupay and Josh Clarke – but you won't find Watkins setting any targets.
“It's good to be able to all sorts of goals,” he added. “I'm happy to score any goal as long as the ball goes into the back of the net.
“I felt like I got a touch on it at the near post. I'm not sure if the defender touched it after that, but I'm going to claim it.
“I think if you set a goals target it puts too much pressure on you. It's just about going out there and trying to express myself, play well and help the team get as many points as we can
“I feel like I've settled in well and they're a great bunch of lads here. I'm really enjoying it, but I think there's still a lot more to come from me.”
