THE trauma of Brentford's final-day knockout will spur them on in Sunday's play-off final against Yeovil, says Sam Saunders .
The Bees blew the chance to clinch an automatic promotion place in agonising fashion last month after Marcello Trotta's last-gasp penalty miss saw Doncaster snatch a place in the Championship at their expense.
However, wing-wizard Saunders insists the experience has made them even stronger ahead of the Wembley showdown with the Glovers.
He said: “Every time you get knocked back it makes you stronger, as a team and individuals.
“The Doncaster game was a massive disappointment for us, but we've bounced back from it and showed real spirit against Swindon to get through.
"There's a real positivity around the club and in the area at the moment. We're on the crest of a wave, so hopefully that continues.”
Saunders is one of just four survivors from the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final defeat to Carlisle two years ago.
However, the former Dagenham ace will use the experience to motivate Brentford's young team.
“To see them lift the trophy wasn't nice, but it didn't make a massive difference to our lives,” he added.
“With all due respect it was only the JPT, where as promotion would be life-changing.
“It would be devastating to see them get promoted and watch them next year in the Championship. The incentive is there so we've got to go and grab it.”
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