Rennes 2-4 Brentford: New Signings Make Their Mark in France

On Saturday afternoon, at 16:00 BST and 17:00 local time, Brentford faced Ligue 1 side Rennes in their penultimate pre-season friendly before the real thing gets going against Spurs. 

For the task at hand, manager Keith Andrews went for an XI of; Kelleher; Hickey, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Sangare, Jensen; Ouattara, Thiago, Anthony. There was plenty of excitement and anticipation regarding Sangare and Anthony in particular. 

Meanwhile, the bench consisted of; Balcome, Eyestone, Grey, Arthur, Avenell, Meghoma, Picotto, Mawene, Wilson, Carvalho. Andrews' side were in the yellow and black kit for this one.

Just before the hour mark, the Bees took the lead. An inswinging corner towards the back post from Jensen was met by Thiago, who was on the spot to head home from eight or so yards out. 

It may just be a friendly, but that'll do his confidence the world of good. After a tough World Cup with Brazil, it would have been easy for him to let his confidence drop and lose his edge. So it is great for him to get off to a good start in pre-season. 

Just over five minutes later, it was 2-0, with the goal again coming from a set piece. This time it was a left footed cross from Janelt that was met by Ethan Pinnock from point blank range. Two very well worked goals, and hopefully there is plenty more of that to come in the regular season. That would be enough for a two goal lead at the break. 

Three minutes into the second half, the hosts got one back to half the deficit. It would not take Brentford long to restore that cushion, however, with Ouattara getting on the scoresheet within a minute, after a cutback from Wilson. 

Then, just another minute after that, as Wilson this time found the net himself, increasing, the lead to make it 4-1. Three goals in four second half minutes overall, crazy stuff, and a goal + assist for Wilson in just four minutes. 

On the hour mark, Andrews made a triple sub, as Carvalho, Arthur and Meghoma replaced Sangare, Hickey and Anthony. Around seven minutes later, Rennes pulled a goal back to make it 4-2. With three minutes remaining, Mawene replaced Ouattara. 

Despite a late shot from Carvalho hitting the post, and Wilson forcing a save from the rebound, it finished 4-2. Overall a good run out and impressive result as well as performance from the Bees.