Barnet are back in action tomorrow night when they travel to Brentford in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay.
The Bees will be hoping to beat the odds and book their place in round five at the second time of asking after drawing the initial tie 3-3.
Darren Currie’s men will be going into the game off the back of a 3-3 FA Trophy draw away at Carshalton Athletic on Saturday. First half goals from Shaq Coulthirst and Ephron Mason-Clark gave the visitors a comfortable half-time lead. However, the Robins hit back on 69 minutes through Ola Sogbanmu but the celebrations were short-lived when Coulthirst netted again three minutes later. An own goal from Byron Harrison and a spot-kick converted by Bobby Price meant Carshalton completed an unlikely come-back, taking the tie to a replay.
Last Meeting:
It was only last Monday when these two sides last met but because it was such a cracking encounter, here’s a recap.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring five minutes before the break, unleashing a long-range strike that nestled into the bottom corner. However, Shaq Coulthirst turned the game on it’s head in the early stages of the second period, bagging two in three minutes. Neal Maupay equalised from the spot on the hour mark though before Sergi Canos calmly slotted home as the Championship side regained their lead. However, the non-league side got back up and took the tie to a replay through a stunning free-kick from Dan Sparkes 15 minutes from time.
Manager: Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank joined Brentford just over two years ago, initially taking up the role as Assistant Head Coach alongside Richard O’Kelly.
However, when Dean Smith left the club to join Aston Villa in October 2018, the Dane took the reins.
Before Brentford, Frank helped Denmark develop their upcoming talents, taking charge of their Under-16s, Under-17s and Under-19s in three separate spells. Following his time with Denmark’s youngsters, he was gifted the managerial role at Brondby IF. He helped the Danish side clinch a 4th and 3rd place finish in 2014 and 2015 respectively in the Superliga before leaving the club.
One to Watch: Neal Maupay
What a season Neal Maupay is having. The 22-year-old has already found the net 17 times in the league this season, making him one of the top scorers in the division and our one to watch ahead of tomorrow’s replay.
It was the talented youngster who bagged the only goal of the game in the previous round aswell, edging out Oxford United 1-0.
He also found the net from the spot in our meeting with Brentford last week and will be hoping to make it three FA Cup goals out of three tomorrow.
The striker, who undoubtedly has an exciting future ahead of him, has international experience under his belt too. Having started out in France’s Under-16’s, he now plays for their Under-21s and will be aiming for a senior call-up in the near future.
For now though, Maupay’s focus will be firmly on tomorrow night as he will be looking to add to his prolific goal scoring tally and help his side progress to round five.
Last Season’s FA Cup Form:
Brentford have already exceeded last season’s FA Cup run, having bowed out at the third round stage last time around.
The Bees, who entered the competition in round three, played host to League Two side Notts County and it was the underdog who came away with an unlikely victory. Jon Stead struck the winner on 65 minutes with a wonder goal as the fourth-tiered side progressed to round four.
This Season’s FA Cup Run:
This season’s FA Cup run is proving to be a whole lot nicer for Brentford though as they knocked out League One side Oxford United at the previous hurdle, winning 1-0.
It was star man Maupay who found the net from the spot with 10 minutes to go as the Bees progressed to round four where they drew 3-3 at the Hive.
Recent Form In All Competitions:
Brentford, who sit 17th in the Championship, have picked up four wins in their last five games in all competitions.
The Bees, who remain unbeaten in 2019, beat Oxford United 1-0 in the previous round of the FA Cup five days into the New Year. Despite drawing their last three league games, Brentford returned to winning ways in the Championship a week later, beating Stoke City 3-1. Rotherham were up next and they clinched a 4-2 win in Yorkshire before being held to a 3-3 draw when returning to cup action at The Hive Stadium. However, they go into tomorrow’s game full of confidence having beaten Blackburn Rovers 5-2 at Griffin Park at the weekend despite trailing 2-0.
Last 5 matches in all competitions: WWWDW
Connections:
First Team Coach Junior Lewis joined Brentford from Hull City in 2005 and made 14 appearances before leaving the club for MK Dons a year later.
