Allen stays on the defensive

14 April 2012

Martin Allen may have conjured up an unlikely play-off campaign but, it seems, you can't teach a Mad Dog new tricks.

The Brentford manager has pledged not to change his side's defensive style of play despite trailing 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday after the first leg of the League One semi-final.

Separated by John-Paul McGovern's 12th- minute strike, the teams clash again on Monday, with the Brentford manager poised to stick by his 4-5-1 formation.

Allen said: "I can't pull rabbits out of hats. We will carry on doing what has got us here in the first place. I don't know anything different.

"We are the only team in the country that have got in the play-offs with a negative goal difference and we will keep playing the same way. I'm not going to put five forwards on the pitch. We've had 23 clean sheets this season, so nothing will change."

Brentford created one meaningful chance in a cagey encounter. Darren Pratley's 31st-minute shot on the turn was the only time Wednesday goalkeeper David Lucas was seriously troubled.

Allen, however, will take heart from the way his players responded to the disappointment of conceding an early goal. Shortly after McGovern's fierce drive deflected off Sam Sodje and into the roof of the net, the Scot hit the bar from close range and the rampant hosts looked on course to finish the tie inside 45 minutes.

But, inspired by battling midfielders Stewart Talbot and Chris Hargreaves, Brentford fought back and ensured that keeper Stuart Nelson was largely untroubled in the second half.

A wild challenge by Isaiah Rankin on Wednesday's Glen Whelan sparked a mass confrontation and the former Arsenal striker was lucky to escape with a booking.

As things stand, the scoreline leaves both managers with reasons to be cheerful. Allen said: "It's all set up for a fantastic second leg. They have the lead but it is only half time. I would rate our performance at around six out 10.

"Griffin Park is old fashioned. It isn't very big but the atmosphere is pretty special." Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock said: "Now the pressure turns on the home team. We can sit back rather than chase goals."

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Allen stays on the defensive

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