Brentford fight back on two occasions to force a draw with Crystal Palace

During a match that could carry major implications for Brentford European ambitions the Bees began in disastrous fashion.

The opening five minutes saw Dango Ouattara miss a fine opportunity by blasting over and shortly afterwards Ismaila Sarr was fouled in the box by Caoimhin Kelleher to win a penalty for his team.

The Senegal forward then calmly slotted the kick away to equal Andy Johnsons club record of twenty one goals across all competitions in a Premier League campaign.

He nearly claimed the outright record just after the quarter hour when a quick Palace break saw Sarr strike the post.

Palace looked the more ambitious side chasing European football and they hit the woodwork again after Sarr set up Jorgen Strand Larsen whose shot curled against the far post.

An open contest produced another twist before the interval when Keith Andrews side levelled through Ouattara who was on hand at the far post to benefit from Jaydee Canvots headed clearance.

Palace refused to ease off though and early second half pressure paid off when Daniel Munoz found Adam Wharton whose fierce shot squeezed under Kelleher for his first goal in ninety four games for the club.

Brentford introduced Kevin Schade in attack but struggled to create chances and relied on Kelleher to tip Sarrs cross away from Jean Philippe Mateta.

Palace had to deal with defensive injuries before their Conference League final yet they succumbed to a long throw flicked on by Sepp van den Berg and headed in by Ouattara.

The late setback leaves Oliver Glasner with concerns ahead of the European final and denies the Eagles a first double over Brentford since the nineteen fifties.

Brentfords push for continental football now heads to the final weekend though recent form leaves them far from favourites.