Brentford have never advanced further than the quarter-finals in the FA Cup – and their run in this season’s competition has ended at the fifth-round stage following Monday’s penalty shootout defeat at West Ham.
Thanks to a highly impressive first season in charge by Keith Andrews, the Bees are daring to dream about playing in Europe.
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It has been a campaign of highs in the Premier League, yet there will be disappointment among their 5,500 away following at London Stadium that they were unable to overcome a West Ham side that has struggled all season.
Andrews’ starting line-up – and the involvement of Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade – suggested he saw this as a great opportunity to go deep in the FA Cup.
Brentford showed great character to twice come from behind to force extra time, while they will feel aggrieved they were not awarded a penalty after Mateus Fernandes’ foul on Schade towards the end of the first half.
But former Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara will be haunted by his miss in the shootout.
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With West Ham leading 2-1 on penalties, he took an age before stepping up to take his kick – and hit a tame effort straight at Alphonse Areola much to the delight of the home fans.
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