Walsall’s trip to the capital turned out to be as disappointing as the rest of the club’s festive programme, as they gave a lack lustre and, quite frankly, below standard performance which was lucky not to result in a greater defeat than 1 - 0.

Merson was forced to make changes, with Wrack still unavailable through illness and being joined by Paston and Fryatt of the subs from New Years Day, so there was no keeper on the bench. Kinsella returned for Osborn, Aranalde for McShane and, surprisingly, Daryl Taylor for Robinson.

Line up: Murphy, Wright, Emblen Bennett, Aranalde, Broad, Kinsella, Standing, Merson, D Taylor, Leitao.

The changes seemed to make little if any difference, however, as, despite a reasonably bright start to each half, Brentford, who had lost all of their games over the festive period, dominated the game, with Walsall managing only 4 shots compared to their 15. The biggest shock was that Brentford failed to score more than the one goal, which came courtesy of a Joe Broad og.

It is difficult to see where this season can go from here. At least by the time of the next fixture against Chesterfield, Nhelko’s work permit should be through and the team will have had chance to work on a few things on the practice ground, but the under performing midfield, the area where games are won and lost, is becoming a serious worry.