The visitors got into their stride right from the whistle, passing the ball confidently and putting our defence under pressure. They looked every bit promotion contenders and, with the exception of the tiny Tabb, a side easily capable of out-muscling us too.
However, after some desperate defending we seemed to have weathered the early storm, but were still unable to create the slightest attacking threat of our own. In fact, our passing game was non-existent, due mainly to Brentford's speed in closing us down, but also to the ineptitude of our lightweight midfield.
After 10 minutes we eventually managed a shot when Hayter got on the end of Fletcher flick-on, but his effort sailed well over the bar into the Bees fans thronging the open end.
As the half wore on, we showed just how poor we can be, culminating is some indecisive defending which led to the first goal. O'Connor was the main culprit, allowing Sodje an easy tap-in on 22 minutes.
Apart from Hayter's effort, the only other time I can remember the visitors' goal being threatened was a cross-cum-shot by Foley which curled a yard wide of the far post.
At the other end, Stewart had to beat away a fierce shot from Rankin as Brentford sustained their pressure, forcing a succession of corners.
However, as so often happens when a team can't press home their advantage, the opposition go up the other end and score. In injury time, Ben Rix, more stepovers than substance, won a free-kick about 20 yards out on the right. Just as I was wistfully thinking "Where are you, Brian Stock?", Foley curled the ball perfectly round the wall and into the net with the keeper rooted to the spot.
After such an abysmal showing for most of the first half, the consensus of the half-time chat was that we were lucky to be still in the game.
HT: 1-1
Some harsh words must have been spoken in the dressing room, as the Cherries team that emerged for the second period were a vastly different proposition from the lack-lustre bunch of the first 45. The midfield began to function, with Rix for once being instrumental in most of the moves. Hayter had a couple of half-chances, another Foley free-kick rebounded from the crossbar, a good shout for handball in the box was turned down, and yet another Foley free-kick was well saved by Nelson. It was now the visitors' defence that had a beleaguered look.
However, in the 65th minute all the good work was undone by another bout of inept defending following a Brentford corner. Despite having plenty of bodies in the 6-yard box, no-one managed to clear the danger and Frampton pounced from close range. 1-2.
We seemed to be really up against it 10 minutes later when Griffiths, as the last man, slightly mistimed his tackle on Tabb and the ref produced a yellow and then a red card. This surprised me, as I was unaware that Griffiths had already been booked. The ref may have yellow-carded the Aussie by mistake in the first half (I thought Purches was the guilty party). Anyway, Griffiths can count himself unlucky.
The ref decided to even things up a few minutes later when Coutts (who had replaced O'Connor) nicked the ball off a defender before feeding Pitman (on for Rix) who was clattered by Sodje on the edge of the box. Ten against ten.
The Bees now sat back a bit and tried to defend their lead, although the quietness of their fans suggested that Colchester were still drawing with Yeovil, thereby pipping the West London club for automatic promotion. Nevertheless, the large block of visiting fans who had somehow infiltrated the centre stand continued to make themselves seen and heard until our Chief Executive remonstrated with them in no uncertain terms!
The action on the field was no less entertaining as the Cherries pressed for an equaliser. And with 90 minutes up, the home crowd went wild when Big Fletch flicked in a Coutts cross after the best move of the match. Massive celebrations ensued both on and off the pitch, with the Cherries captain receiving a booking for immodestly removing his shirt.
In the end, the result didn't matter to the visitors due to Colchester's point, but it was pleasing for the Cherries to continue their good run.
Foley for workrate and wicked free-kicks
Nice to finish the on a positive note. It's been a difficult season, but let's hope we can strengthen the side for the next campaign. We already have a decent nucleus.
AFCB: Stewart, Broadhurst, Cooper, Griffiths, Hart, Rix, Purches, Foley, O'Connor, Hayter, Fletcher
Subs: Maher, Allen, Coutts (on for O'Connor, 61), Pitman (for Rix, 75), Tindall (for Broadhurst, 90)