Matchday Live: Brentford v Cherries (From Bournemouth Echo)

4:57pm

Off to get some reaction. Thanks for joining us.

4:54pm

Some sort of confrontation between the two dug-outs. Couldn't see what sparked it. On the pitch, Tubbs cross-shot parried away by Moore.

4:52pm

Cherries free-kick in good crossing position.

4:51pm

Four minutes of added time here.

4:50pm

Good work from Pugh forces a corner on the left.

4:49pm

A draw would be a good result but Cherries' second-half display has warranted more. Brentford edged the first 45 minutes but Cherries have had the better chances.

4:47pm

Daniels left foot well over. Straight into the lower tier of the stand.

4:47pm

Cherries free-kick 30 yards out.

4:45pm

McQuoid cross, Tubbs fires well over.

4:43pm

4:41pm

Almost 1,500 supporters making the trip to give Cherries their backing today.

4:40pm

Fresh legs up top for Cherries in the shape of Tubbs and McQuoid. Still one substitute option remaining for Howe.

4:37pm

Good second-half performance from Cherries so far.

4:35pm

Brentford sub: Diagouraga on for Forshaw. 75 minutes.

4:34pm

Marc Pugh is warming to the task and getting some joy down the left flank.

4:32pm

Cherries well on top and they have certainly created the better openings in the second half.  20 minutes remaining.

4:31pm

What a chance. Brilliant work by Grabban to run clear on the left, his cross reaches Fogden who cuts it back for McQuoid and the substitute misses the target from 10 yards.

4:29pm

Beautiful Cruyff turn from Pugh to beat Hodson but the winger's cross is not up to his usual standard.

4:27pm

Cherries sub: Josh McQuoid on for Brett Pitman. 67 minutes.

4:26pm

Looping cross from Pitman on the right and Pugh can't control his header as he comes charging in at the far post.

4:25pm

Cherries have been much improved since the break and there are increasing grumbles from the home fans at Griffin Park. A good sign for Howe's team.

4:24pm

Indecision in the press box over that header which hit the bar. Half going with Arter and the other half saying Elphick.

4:22pm

Non-league update: Poole Town go 2-0 up at Wimborne thanks to another goal from Warren Byerley.

4:19pm

Brentford sub: Lee Hodson for Shaleum Logan. 58 minutes.

4:18pm

That header really was painful to watch for Cherries as it hit the deck around three yards from goal and bounced up almost in slow motion before hitting the bar and being hacked clear. Good response from Cherries following a bright Brentford spell.

4:16pm

So close for Cherries on FOUR occasions. Fogden denied by a combination of goalkeeper and defenders as he tried to meet a beautfiul cross from Daniels. Pitman's rebound was then somehow blocked for a corner. From the corner, a downward header from Arter agonisingly bounces up and comes back off the crossbar. Pugh then cuts inside and lashes wide. Cherries very unlucky not to be ahead.

4:12pm

Clever lay-off from Pitman just too strong as Moore bravely gathers ahead of the scampering Fogden.

4:11pm

Good defensive work from Arter to steal the ball from Trotta as he took aim 12 yards out.

4:10pm

Confident start to the half from Brentford but Cherries standing firm.

4:07pm

Excellently-timed tackle from Steve Cook to halt Tom Adeyemi. Resulting corner caught by James.

4:07pm

No half-time changes for either team.

4:06pm

Second half now under way here...

4:04pm

Here come the visitors, to chants of Eddie Howe's Barmy Army from the away end.

4:04pm

Brentford's players are back out for the second half and are being made to wait by Cherries.

4:04pm

FIRST-HALF ASSESSMENT

Brentford are arguably the most accomplished team Cherries have faced since Eddie Howe's return.

Solid at the back and bright in attack, they look the real deal as League One promotion contenders.

The Bees, with Adam Forshaw pulling the strings in midfield, edged the opening half without managing to break down well-organised Cherries.

Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook have been faultless in central defence for Cherries so far, with Lewis Grabban a willing runner up front.

3:57pm

3:55pm

Non-league half-times: Bashley 1 (Gamble) Gosport Borough 0, Wimborne Town 0 Poole Town 1 (Byerley).

3:49pm

Half-time: Brentford 0 Cherries 0.

3:49pm

Cook and Elphick have both been outstanding in the centre of Cherries' defence. Cherries will be hoping to retain possession more in the second half.

3:47pm

Former Cherries captain Carl Fletcher has reportedly been sacked by Plymouth Argyle.

3:44pm

This is the sternest examination Cherries have been given since Eddie Howe's return. Brentford look the real deal.

3:41pm

3:40pm

3:39pm

Forrester beats Francis on the outside down the Brentford left and Trotta's mis-timed header is over. More good stuff from the Bees.

3:38pm

Lucky escape for Cherries. Lost ball in their defensive third gives the impressive Forshaw chance to take aim and he thumps a low drive just wide.

3:33pm

Good game, this. Plenty of quality on show in both teams.

3:33pm

Spell of possession from Cherries and Pugh sees a powerful shot blocked.

3:32pm

Forshaw finds Marcello Trotta at the near post. The striker spins sharply and forces James to push away a ferocious drive from 12 yards. Decent save. Cherries scramble clear.

3:29pm

Better from Cherries. Arter collects stray pass in midfield to release Pugh. The Lancastrian chops inside on to his right foot and brings a decent parry from Moore.

3:28pm

Jake Bidwell cross causes uncertainty in the Cherries penalty area but pressure relieved with a free-kick, presumably given for dangerous play as a wild overhead kick was attempted.

3:25pm

Brentford keeper Simon Moore does well to punch clear a Daniels corner under pressure from Elphick.

3:23pm

Little of note here so far. Both teams looking confident as you would expect given the form-book. Brentford lively going forward and look solid at the back, defence marshalled by former Millwall centre-half Tony Craig.

3:19pm

3:18pm

Trotta booked for late challenge on Arter. Perhaps a touch harsh.

3:14pm

Non-league update: Warren Byerley, on loan from Dorchester, has put Poole 1-0 up at Wimborne.

3:12pm

Cherries captain Tommy Elphick returns to the pitch having received treatment from physio Steve Hard.

3:10pm

Harlee Dean's looping header is easily gathered by James.

3:10pm

Brentford look bright and have just forced their second corner.

3:09pm

Meanwhile, here at Griffin Park, Brentford's highly-rated midfielder Adam Forshaw just had David James scrambling as his fine volley flew narrowly wide.

3:07pm

Ex-Cherries midfielder Sammy Igoe starts for Gosport Borough at Bashley. We have reporters at Bashley v Gosport and Wimborne v Poole. Updates throughout on Matchday Live.

3:06pm

3:06pm

3:06pm

3:05pm

3:05pm

3:04pm

3:03pm

Nice cross from Wes Fogden across the face, between defenders and goalkeeper, but just too far in front of Lewis Grabban.

3:02pm

We are under way in the first half...

3:01pm

Cherries prospect Jayden Stockley was on target for his loan club Woking in their 3-1 win over Luton Town.

2:59pm

The teams are out here. Plenty of noise from the Cherries supporters who are housed behind one of the goals.

2:59pm

DANGERMAN – CLAYTON DONALDSON
With 15 goals in 29 appearances this term, Donaldson will be a man to watch.
Brentford fended off competition when they secured the signature of Donaldson on a free transfer from Crewe in summer 2011.
The 28-year-old, who penned a three-year deal with the Bees, was the top scorer in League Two in 2010-11 with 28 goals.

2:56pm

The away section is absolutely packed with Cherries supporters. Excellent travelling contingent from the south coast.

2:51pm

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PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS – UWE ROSLER
The Brentford boss told his club’s website: “It will be a massive game for us, and for them.
“We can make sure when we win the game it will be very difficult for Bournemouth to catch us.
“We have put ourselves in a competitive position and we are looking forward to the Bournemouth game.
“It will be the two in-form teams of the league at the moment.
“We want to measure ourselves against the team with the best resources in the league.
“It will be a big challenge and I think the players will look forward to it.”

2:49pm

Had a lot of predictions in via Twitter, with most going for an away win. I fancy 2-2. Former Cherries favourite Warren Cummings got in touch to tip a 2-1 victory for his old club.

2:45pm

PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS – JASON TINDALL
Cherries assistant boss Jason Tindall told the club website: “Brentford are one of the best teams in this division. They play good football and are a real threat going forward.
“With both teams in good form, this is a really exciting match to look forward to. Over the years, we have had some great games with Brentford and this one should be no different.
“I know we have sold a lot of tickets and it will be great to see so many of our supporters there. They should also have a good crowd through the gates, so it should be a good atmosphere and a good way to start the year.
“It is a big challenge and one we are looking forward to.”

2:40pm

These are the two form teams in the division. Cherries are 15 unbeaten since Eddie Howe's appointment while Brentford haven't lost in 11 league games.

2:38pm

Good afternoon all and welcome to Griffin Park for today's showdown between promotion contenders Brentford and Cherries. Match build-up ahead of kick-off at 3pm.