"No, you’ve got to score for it to be a draw." 

 

That was Gary Rowett's answer when he was asked whether he agreed with Brentford manager Thomas Frank's claim that their victory over his side should have been a draw. 

 

The Lions finished the decade with a 1-0 win over their London rivals after Aiden O'Brien capitalised on a mistake from Brentford keeper David Raya in the 13th minute. 

 

"I know what he’s saying, it was an even game in some ways. They’re a good side, for them to be so free-scoring, they’re the form side in the division and he’s done a brilliant job," Rowett added. 

"They had a slow start but have really kicked into gear. They’re a difficult side to stop. It causes you one or two problems in terms of how you structure your own team. 

"I thought we did really well the first half, the energy levels bearing in mind we had nine hours of travelling on Boxing Day when some teams have no travel."

 

The Lions have been plagued with illness over the Christmas period which ruined their preparations for the games against Barnsley and Cardiff. 

 

"It was the first time we’ve played a five at home, we’ve played it very effectively away.

 

"I felt we nullified their clear chances. Bart’s made one good save but we kept them at bay very well and should have had some more opportunities of our own.

 

"We’ve shown a lot of promise. We’ve taken on a couple of different formations that the players aren’t used to. We’re trying to change one or two things slowly and the way the players have bought into it has been really, really encouraging."