ROBBIE Simpson missed a stoppage-time penalty as Brentford were held by nine-man Notts County.

The on-loan Huddersfield Town hotshot had the chance to win it at the death after he was hauled down in the box, but his effort from 12 yards came back off the post.

Bees had a let off midway through the first-half when Alan Gow's free-kick crashed against the crossbar, but the visitors were dealt a blown when Jon Harley saw red for two bookings.

However, the 10 men took a shock lead just before the break.

Robbie Neilson was robbed of possession at the edge of the box, and although Richard Lee saved Craig Westcarr's first effort, the Notts County frontman slotted the rebound into the empty net.

But Brentford were back on terms 15 minutes from time.

Sam Saunders whipped in a free-kick from the left and the visitors stood like statues as Karleigh Osborne headed past former Bees keeper Stuart Nelson.

County had another man in sent-off in stoppage-time as Mike Edwards joined Harley in the showers for two bookings.

Brentford had the chance to win it injury-time, but Simpson's spot-kick came back off the post.

BEES: Lee, O'Connor, Neilson, Osborne, Woodman, Saunders, Bean, Diagouraga, Weston (Byrne 63), MacDonald (Bignall 87), Alexander (Simpson 63).

Subs (not used): Moore, Legge, Balkestein, Grabban.

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