MATCH REPORT: Brentford 0 Peterborough United 1: Taylor makes a point before defence holds firm

Paul Taylor scores the early Posh goal at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

And this one 1-0 win against Brentford at Griffin Park was arguably more impressive than Saturday’s (July 23) 2-1 success at home to Leeds United. The Bees fancy stingling some more illustrious clubs in their division this season and to be fair they dominated large chunks of this contest.

But Posh struck early through Taylor’s quality finish and then defended doggedly against decent opposition, while breaking out and threatening further goals themselves. Indeed Shaquile Coulthirst, who created Taylor’s goal, missing a sitter from under the crossbar midway through the second-half after a terrific cross from Marcus Maddison.

But if winning friendlies breeds confidence then Posh have enjoyed a splendid week. They get the chance to make it a hat-trick of wins against higher level opponents when second tier Barnsley visit the ABAX for the final pre-season game on Saturday (July 30).

Leo Da Silva Lopes in action for Posh at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

The Tykes will encounter a front two in Taylor and Coulthirst who are staring to gel and a defence well marshalled by Ryan Tafazolli. They will also meet a former goalkeeper Ben Alnwick - whose last-gasp howler helped Barnsley to win promotion last season - in excellent form.

Alnwick saved well from Jan Holldack and Scott Hogan in the first-half, but saved his best for a double-stop in the second-half when both Lewis Mcleod and Romaine Sawyers were denied.

Posh boss McCann wasn’t too thrilled with his side’s passing, but he will have been delighted with their defending as both Jack Baldwin and Tafazolli made fine blocks in the dying minutes.

A superb Woods cross was glanced wide by Lasse Vibe in injury time after Josh McEachran and Woods had fored just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Posh striker Shaquile Coulthirst in action at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh: Alnwick, Smith, Tafazolli, Baldwin, Hughes, Forrester, Da Silva Lopes, Edwards, Maddison, Coulthirst (sub Moore), P. Taylor. Unused substitutes: Henry, Gormley, Connor

Brentford: Bonham, Field, Barbet, Saunders, Egan, Woods, McEachran, Holldack, Hogan, Kerschbaumer, Sawyers. Subs: Bentley, Mcleod, Dean, Cole, Ledesma, Hofmann, Vibe.

Goals: Posh - P. Taylor (2 mins)

Referee: Gavin Ward.

Atendance: (to follow)