KEVIN SCHADE’S early goal proved just enough to keep Brentford dreaming of Europe.
The Bees are one of a cluster of clubs vying for an eighth-place finish – and hoping that will be enough for a Europa Conference League jaunt next term.
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Germany striker Schade celebrated his 11th Premier League goal of the season and it turned out to be just enough to settle a feisty encounter at already-relegated Ipswich.
Town fans vented their fury at Sam Barrott for the events leading up to Schade’s 18th-minute opener.
They reckoned the referee had decided to keep letting Brentford take a corner until they scored.
The reality was that Barrott was placed in an impossible position as players from both sides grappled like wrestlers.
The first of three flag-kicks could easily have seen Brentford awarded a penalty.
Jacob Greaves rugby-tackled Sepp van den Berg to the ground but a lengthy VAR inquest said no pen, presumably because the ball wasn’t actually in play yet.
The second saw Town’s Jack Taylor and Christian Norgaard booked for more MMA-style man-handlng.
And the third saw Schade brilliantly head home Bryan Mbeumo’s delivery.
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“One-nil to the referee” Town fans chanted sarcastically, along with “Premier League, corrupt as f***”.
There was nothing suspect about Schade’s flick however – perfectly placed in the far corner.
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It was a similar tale in the second half with VAR again ruling no pen for Axel Tuanzebe’s judo bout with Nathan Collins.
The home fans were angry again soon after – this time calling FOR video assistant intervention.
Yoane Wissa’s high boot caught Greaves on the head after Alex Palmer made a fine block to deny Mbeumo. The Bees man’s booking remained a yellow however.
Greaves felt aggrieved at the other end when Yehor Yarmoliuk appeared to pull him down in the box but the officials disagreed.
Ipswich tails were finally up and Omari Hutchinson saw a drive tipped on to a post by Mark Flekken, who then saved point-blank from Cameron Burgess in stoppage-time and saved a header from sub George Hirst.
Brentford held out to shade a fixture referee Barrott will be hoping won’t be replicated any time soon.
Perfect cross, perfect finish. Europe is possible. We are focused. The team is like family and we want to win the next two games.
Kevin Schade on his goal and Brentford’s hopes
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