Coppell and fans say it's not over yet

If one characteristic showed in Steve Coppell's shrewd words after his Brentford side failed to secure automatic promotion to Division One, it was that he has been around a long time and seen it all.

It showed in his generosity towards Reading who went up in Brentford's place. It showed in his sensible insistence that his team needed to feel the pain of this missed opportunity before he could attempt to lift them for the first leg of their play-off semifinal at Huddersfield next Sunday.

But above all, it showed in his assessment of Brentford's lack of strength in depth. Clearly Coppell fears that the lack of options which cost them victory over Reading at Griffin Park might yet condemn them to another season in Division Two.

"We don't have any strength in depth," admitted the Brentford manager.

"I looked at our bench and I looked at Reading's and that was the difference between the two clubs.

"Jamie Cureton came off their bench and showed terrific ability to score. But for us Mark McCammon failed a fitness test on his ankle just before the game. He would have made the difference.

"I need him back next Sunday. We need that bulk in the squad and we just don't have it. So many players' contracts are up and two players are on loan. The actual core of what's left isn't deep."

For 29 glorious minutes in the second half, Brentford lived the dream of automatic promotion. The club with the best home record in the League needed victory to secure the prize, while the visitors - owners of the best away record - required a draw.

When Mark Rowlands put away Lloyd Owusu's cross in the 48th minute everything seemed possible. But in the dugout Coppell was worried.

"I felt there was such a long way to go," he said unhappily.

"We're not a team that can just defend. I much prefer it when we have a target to go for. Sitting back, we haven't really got those defensive-minded players. Scoring affected us more than them."

The break back came with just 13 minutes remaining. Phil Parkinson flicked on a long free-kick to Cureton, who lobbed Paul Smith. The dream was gone and Coppell knew their lack of options meant there was no retrieving it.