Brentford 2 Tranmere Rovers 2

Last updated : 10 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Ben May's strike on the hour earned ten men Brentford a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Tranmere Rovers at Griffin Park.

Rovers took the lead after only eight minutes when Eugene Dadi raced through to shoot past Paul Smith.

Things got worse for the Bees when they lost winger Stephen Evans when he was red carded for a strong shoulder barge on Sean Connelly.

Despite their disadvantage Brentford drew level on 17 minutes through Stephen Hunt.

Hunt latched onto a through ball beating Graham Allen and Paul Linwood for pace before driving the ball past John Achterberg in the Tranmere goal.

Rovers used their extra man to their advantage with Iain Hulme and David Beresford going close.

Dadi grabbed his second of the afternoon on 59 minutes with a bullet header from eight yards after Micky Mellon had supplied the corner.

Two minutes later May ensured that the points were shared.A long ball was played into the box and May was able to turn and shoot past Achterberg and make it 2-2.

May could have scored a second with an ambitious 30-yard lob but the back pedalling Achterberg was able to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

The game was marred by a late injury for Simon Howarth who looked to have broken his leg following a tackle by Andy Frampton. Howarth went into the 50-50 challenge with Frampton but had to be stretchered off.

Tranmere Rovers boss Brian Little said: "There is a fracture there which is a bad injury at this time of the season. Our thoughts are with him. He is a popular lad in the dressing room." Brentford boss Wally Downes said he would watch a TV replay of the sending off before deciding to appeal to the FA.

He said: "I am disappointed that we didn't play them with 11 men. I am pleased with the result but we are looking for a win to turn things around."