Bees boss Mark Warburton hailed defender Jake Bidwell's attention to detail for his part in securing a point at Walsall on Saturday.

The 20-year-old full back crossed for Clayton Donaldson's 30th minute opener and created two other opportunities as he collected the man of the match award in a 1-1 draw at the Bescot Stadium.

The Saddlers levelled Donaldson's header a minute before half-time as the two teams shared the spoils, a result that saw Leyton Orient - 2-1 winners at Crewe Alexandra - replace the Bees at the top of the League One table.

"It was a good game of football. It's a tough place to come," said Warburton, who dropped his first points since being named Griffin Park chief in December.

"We had to be on our toes defensively and I thought it was a good game for the neutrals.

"Testament to Jake Bidwell who works every day on his crossing and his attitude is first class.

"He has delivered a great ball in and Clayton finished well."

During an often cagey and tight first half the Bees took the lead thanks to Clayton Donaldson, before conceding an equaliser just before the break.

While the game opened up in the second half, neither side could find the decisive goal.

After ten minutes Donaldson's cross from wide on the right found the side-netting of Richard O'Donnell's goal.

Walsall's first real foray forward was rewarded with a corner kick on the left, but after it was played to Andy Taylor on the edge of the box he sliced his shot wide.

A quick break by Walsall resulted in Milan Lalkovic firing in a shot from outside the box, which David Button comfortably held. Another Saddlers attack saw Adam Chambers' shot saved by Button.

On the half hour mark the Bees went in front as Donaldson connected with a deep Bidwell cross at the far post.

It could have been two moments later as a lovely move by Brentford culminated in Alan McCormack's cross from the right being punched clear by O'Donnell before Alan Judge's fierce shot was deflected for a corner.

Another cross from Bidwell on the left was picked up by Donaldson, whose left footed shot was wide of the post.

The home side drew level a minute before the break when the Bees failed to clear the ball from their box and Craig Westcarr headed home from the edge of the six yard box.

The Bees' first chance of the second half saw Bidwell float a free kick from just outside the box over both the wall and the bar.

Brentford were gifted a chance when McCormack's early ball down the touchline saw Donaldson deliver an early cross into the box and Marcello Trotta's first time shot with just the keeper to beat sail over the bar.

Lalkovic did well to twist and turn on the left of the box before shooting wide of the right hand post.

A terrific early pass from George Saville picked out Bidwell on the left and the full back charged forward before shooting wide.

The home side threatened when Romaine Sawyers shot from the edge of the box and Button did well to tip it behind.

Westcarr had a chance to win it for the home side in the final five minutes, but shot over from wide on the right of the six yard box.

Brentford: Button, McCormack, O'Connor, Craig, Bidwell; Douglas, Judge (sub Logan 68), Saville; Grigg (sub Akpom 68), Donaldson, Trotta (sub Dallas 88).

Subs (not used): Lee, Diagouraga, Reeves, Adams.