Sam Wood is confident he can do a good job for the Bees - even if he remains short of match fitness for the moment.
Wood, a summer signing from Bromley, made his first start since the opening day defeat at Bury in Saturday's 1-0 win at Chesterfield.
The 22-year-old was drafted in at left back at the weekend after Brett Johnson broke down in training and he lasted the 90 minutes - proving he can play a role in Brentford's promotion drive this season
"I only found out this morning I would be playing. Brett took a knock in training yesterday and I was next in line," Wood told the Gazette.
"I've been out five weeks now since the start of the season. But I have been working hard in training and hoping to be given a chance.
"I think I did OK today. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing. I thought I did well today.
"I've got to keep working hard and get my fitness up because I have been out for five weeks. I need to get my match fitness now and carry on doing what I'm doing.
"It is a lot fitter [in League Two]. It's a little bit harder although you do get a little more time on the ball because you are playing with better players who give you better angles. It's good and I'm enjoying it.
Wood added: "It was a good day for us. We came here to get the three points and we did. We worked hard as they put us under the cosh but we ground it out and got the three points that we needed."
Andy Scott had plenty to be happy about as the Bees extended their unbeaten run to eight games - moving up to fourth in League Two in the process.
Last week's draw with Lincoln had left him frustrated but there is nothing like a clean sheet for a manager to repair the damage.
And he will have been heartened with the result of changes enforced by Johnson's absence.
New signing John Halls slotted in at right back while Adam Newton moved forward to replace Marvin Williams on the right of midfield, while Wood came in for Johnson.
"It is the first time Sam Wood has played since the first game of the season and did very well," said the Bees boss.
"We're very fortunate that our left hand side is very strong. If we're going to have an injury it is probably the best side to have it on!
"Brett Johnson got injured in training yesterday. His groin went and we had to change things at the last minute.
"The injury is not as bad as we first thought. There is no bruising this morning and we were treating it overnight. We'll see how it settles down."
Brentford deserved their 1-0 victory at Saltergate on Saturday.
After scoring early on - man of the match Marcus Bean heading home a Glenn Poole corner at the near post - the Bees looked capable of going on to add several more as they played some enterprising football before allowing Chesterfield back into the match.
Yet their back four were never truly threatened.
"We created some very good chances in the first half," Scott said.
"We've been working on set pieces and I was absolutely delighted that the first one came off. Also, defensively from set pieces we were very solid.
"We're eight games unbeaten but we know we are a lot better than what we have shown so far. We are improving all the time.
"I'm still picking holes in it and want to play better in patches. You're never going to have it your own way when you come away to places like Chesterfield and to get a result with this 1-0 win turns things around from when we lost 1-0 up here last season. I think we deserved it."
Match Summary CHESTERFIELD (0) 0 BEES (1)1 Line-up: Hamer; Halls, Wilson, Bennett, Wood; Newton, Bean, Wright, Poole (Dickson 84); Elder (Ademola 73, MacDonald. Subs not used: Brown, Pead, Phillips. Attendance: 3,188 GOALS: Bean (7).
MoM: Marcus Bean
Next Up
MACCLESFIELD
Griffin Park Saturday 3pm League Two
Manager: Keith Alexander Position last season: 19th Form Guide: A run of three successive wins was halted by a crushing 4-1 home defeat by Exeter City last weekend - their third reverse in four home games. One of those losses was a 6-0 drubbing by Darlington and they have conceded 20 goals in their first eight League Two fixtures. On their travels, there have been wins at Bournemouth (1-0) and Port Vale (4-1) and defeats at Shrewsbury (0-4) and Accrington (0-2).
Players to look out for: Experienced striker Simon Yeo is top scorer this season with four.
Last year's top scorer Francis Green has yet to get off the mark.
Most recent meetings: Brentford 1-0 Macclesfield Town (8 Mar 2008); Macclesfield Town 1-0 Brentford (6 Nov 2007) - Lg2.
Head-to-head record: BEES Wins: 1 MT Wins: 1 Draws: 0
Match Facts: Last season's clashes were the first ever competitive games between the clubs - which is hardly surprising given that the Silkmen are relative newcomers to the league. Glenn Poole netted the winner when the teams met at Griffin Park seven months ago, with Danny Thomas scoring the only goal at Moss Rose.
Forecast: Has to be a home win for the Bees this time after the Lincoln flop.
In Midweek
LUTON TN
Kenilworth Road Tuesday 7.45pm Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Rd2
Manager: Mick Harford Position last season: 24th Lg1 Form Guide: Luton have a mid-table record - three wins, two draws, three defeats - but their 30 point penalty for financial irregularities leaves them marooned at the foot of the table on 19 points.At home they have beaten Aldershot (3-1) and Plymouth (2-0 in the League Cup) and lost to Port vale (1-3). They have drawn 1-1 with Notts County and Chester at home.
Players to look out for: Defender Lewis Emmanuel was briefly on loan at Brentford last year. Ex Chelsea striker Sam Parkin will be a danger, if fit.
Most recent meetings: Brentford 0-2 Luton Town (27 Nov 2008); Luton Town 1-1 Brentford (10 Nov 2007) - FA Cup.
Head-to-head record: LT Wins: 34 BEES Wins: 23 Draws: 15
Match Facts: The Hatters have won three of the past four clashes. The Bees' last win (2-0) came in an FA Cup clash at Kenilworth Road three years ago. In the only previous meeting in the Football League Trophy, Luton won 2-1 at home in January 1998.
Forecast: Home advantage may just tip the scales in Luton's favour.
Gazetteforecast success rate: 5 correct out of 9 (56%)
