February 7, 2001 16:15: Wycombe 0 Brentford 0

A defensively sound and cohesive team performance gained Brentford a point at cup giantkillers Wycombe on Saturday.

Once again it was a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal that denied the Bees the three points their play warranted.

With a well drilled game plan, Ray Lewington's men controlled the match from the start.

Darren Powell's return to centre back added assurance to the rock like defence, with both Gavin Mahon and Michael Dobson outstanding by his side.

Brentford's approach play was again impressive, with Martin Rowlands non- stop running and Paul Evans' controlling the game's tempo.

It was Evans who forced a superb save from the home keeper Taylor midway through the first half, with a dipping shot which Taylor managed to tip onto the bar and away to safety.

Soon after it was Ingimarrson's turn to be denied by Taylor. An Evans cross found the Icelander with space in the box, but his header lacked pace and direction and Taylor saved again.

The second half saw Wycombe come back into the match, as the game swung from end-to-end. Although Brentford remained on top they looked increasingly vulnerable to the counter attack from the home side.

The Bees continued to carve out quality chances, but without an in-form striker Brentford lacked that killer instinct.

Despite their best efforts up front, Lloyd Owusu and Scott Partridge did not look like a partnership made in heaven and neither looked particularly sharp in and around goal.

It all could have ended in tears for the Bees as Baird broke through their defence in the last minute, but his attempt was straight at Gottskalksson and Brentford's goal remained intact and the points were shared.

Brentford remain in 11th place in the division just off the pace for a play-off position. A few wins would soon move them up into contention but first they must find a striker who knows where the goal is.

Brentford: Gottskalksson, Dobson, Marshall, Lovett, Powell, Evans, Rowlands, Ingimarsson, Mahon, Owusu (McCammon 74), Partridge (Williams 89)

Brentford return to Griffin Park to face Reading this Saturday. Kick Off 3pm.

By.Andrew Adebowale