Brentford v Southampton
The FA Cup, Fifth Round Replay
01 March 2005
Griffin Park



Brentford manager Martin Allen is preparing for a night to remember as his side take on Southampton in an FA Cup Fifth Round Replay on Tuesday.

The Bees are on a high after coming from 2-0 down to draw the original tie 2-2 thanks to goals from Isaiah Rankin and man of the match Sam Sodje.

And now they have even more incentive to finish the job - because the winners of the tie take on Manchester United in the Quarter-Finals.

It's just the kind of excitement that Allen relishes, and the inspirational former West Ham and QPR star will have his players pumped up for the kick-off.

He said: "Let’s not beat about the bush, who isn’t looking forward to it? It’s going to be a fantastic occasion, and a night this club will remember for a long time.

"I’ve no fear about playing a Premiership club, none of us have, but we have to up our game a bit. Last week we played well for 45 minutes. This week, we’ve got to play well for 94 minutes.

"We need to show our character and drive, and not get too worried about who we’re up against. Anyway, I’m not clever enough to worry about the other side as well as my own players. I’ll just concentrate on my lot and see where that takes us."

Brentford prepared for their biggest FA Cup tie since they took on Liverpool in the last eight in 1989 by drawing 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

It might not sound a momentous result but the Bees were 2-0 and 3-1 down and scored twice in the last nine minutes to earn an unlikely point.

It's that kind of fighting spirit that gives them a real chance at Griffin Park against the Saints, but Allen admits all the emotion and drama has taken its toll.

He said: "That game at Southampton was a hugely draining experience for us, both mentally, physically and emotionally.

"It was a huge performance, make no mistake, but it comes at a cost, and that’s been something we’ve had to deal with and overcome.

"Now I've told the players to all go home, eat well and get a lot of rest. And if they’re not in bed by ten, I’ll be round to give them a clip round the ear.

"They’re to spend some nice time with their families over the weekend, and then say goodbye and prepare properly for a huge football match. If their wives or girlfriends want to go shopping, then sorry, but they’ve got to draw the line and say no! This is a massive match for us."

Brentford are without striker Ben May, who was recalled from his loan spell by Millwall. But they have Kevin O'Connor fit again and also have new signing midfielder Darren Pratley available after snapping him up on loan from Fulham.