Brentford 0-0 Millwall: Bees look destined for play-offs after being held to a goalless draw

Thomas Frank talked of relishing the battle even with the odds against them. The gap to Watford in the second automatic spot is down from nine to eight but with five games left, belief is escaping Brentford based on what was served up here.

This was an opportunity missed. It seems a second date with the play-offs is to come and if they are going to win promotion through that route they will need to play far better.

One shot on target for a side that boasts the Championship’s top scorer in Ivan Toney is a head-scratcher. Toney is on 29 for the season in the league and yet he was lost for much of this contest, most animated when frustration at his team-mates’ decisions spilled over.

Millwall goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowksi stops thwarts Championship top scorer Ivan Toney

Brentford striker Toney hurdles a challenge from Millwall full-back Danny McNamara 

Brentford’s Marcus Forss (centre) went close to scoring but his effort hit the side netting

Millwall, who made one change from the side that lost to Swansea last weekend by bringing ex-Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods in, started brighter.

Given what was on the line, the hosts immediately came out flat and were fortunate not to find themselves behind five minutes in.

Mason Bennett, who was a pest leading the line for Gary Rowett’s visitors, played a neat one-two down the right with Danny McNamara before he picked out Scott Malone at the back post.

Racing onto the looping delivery there was a collective intake of breath from the Brentford directors in the main stand. Malone connected but could only volley over, rather than into David Raya’s net.

Millwall midfielder Ryan Woods (right) attempts to break free from Brentford’s Tariqe Fosu 

It was a warning Brentford didn’t appear to heed. Millwall continued to attack and enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.

Malone had a second opportunity at the back post in the 22nd minute after a fortuitous knockdown of Jed Wallace’s sliced cross from right fell to him. He forced a save out of Raya this time but again was guilty of wasting a major opportunity.

Thomas Frank gripped tighter and tighter onto his notepad and pen as the half unfolded, little to relax him, as he had hoped before kick-off here.

The Bees’ big moment came after half an hour when Pontus Jansson went down in the area under pressure from Jake Cooper.

Brentford’s bench were furious that referee Darren Bond was unmoved by the incident. Millwall’s bench were furious that Brentford were furious. For large spells of the opening 45 it was the two dug-outs that provided the bulk of the entertainment.

The second half followed much like the first, lethargic and shy on the quality that put them in contention.

When Marcus Forss broke clear early in the second half, only to find the side, rather than the inside, netting, he kicked the post in frustration. It was a moment that perfectly surmised Brentford’s struggles.

Cardiff City come to visit on Tuesday and Frank knows that a repeat performance will get them beat. If it is to be the play-offs, now is not the time for the engine to run out of steam.

Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo (right) attempts to go past Millwall defender Murray Wallace