Brentford 0 QPR 0

(Nov 24)

The Bees had not had the pleasure of hosting their neighbours in a league match since handing out a six-goal drubbing in 1965.

But any hopes of inflicting a similar scoreline and ensuring local bragging rights were blocked by a disciplined display from the visitors.

Brentford started the brighter with Rowlands' cross being just too high for Ben Burgess in the third minute.

In the 13th minute, the Bees forced the first corner when Lloyd Owusu's snap shot was turned past the post, but the resulting kick came to nothing.

On 20 minutes, Paul Evans brought the crowd to its feet. He latched on to the ball 30 yards out, took one touch and unleashed a venomous strike which flew just over the bar with the keeper well beaten.

With six minutes to go to the break, the Bees went close to breaking the deadlock. Dobson played in short to Owusu who bent a left-foot shot wide of the keeper and also the post.

The Bees continued pushing following the break but then Rangers broke and in turn forced a corner.

Paul Gibbs then showed his defensive qualities when dispossessing Doudou and heading the ball back to Gottskalksson.

The Bees gained two corners in the 56th minute when Gavin Mahon's shot was deflected off target. Immediately Rangers made a substitution bringing on Andy Thomson for Doudou.

With 25 minutes still on the clock, an Evans free kick had to be turned round the post by Fraser Digby. The Bees made two late substitutions, Kevin O'Connor replaced Rowlands and Steven Sidwell came on with seconds left as Gibbs limped off.

Bees: Gottskalksson, Dobson, Ingimarsson, Powell, Gibbs (Sidwell), Rowlands (O'Connor), Evans, Mahon, Hunt, Burgess, Owusu

Speaking before the game, boss Steve Coppell said "The question has been asked of me, 'What can I teach the players from my experience in derbies?' Well each derby is unique in its own way. Although it means an awful lot to so many people, the one thing we dont want is to make it personal. Its not about beating our local rivals, it's about getting three points. The fact that they are our local rivals is almost incidental."

Turning to the squad situation, he said: "Weve just extended Steven Sidwell's loan deal. We're coming in close to December and weve got seven games in that month. The stronger the squad, the better. It may well be in the next game that a couple of people aren't happy with not being selected, but that's a good position for me. I want as many good players as possible and I don't think Brentford could turn down an under-20 England player."