Despite a Paul Hayes double, Brentford conceded two own goals as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hartlepool United at Griffin Park on Saturday.

Hayes first goals for the club twice put his side in the lead, yet a second own goal in added on time saw the Bees forced to settle for a share of the points.

In the early stages Clayton Donaldson broke from midfield and his pass found Hayes on the right, whose cross was held by Scott Flinders.

Hartlepool put some pressure on Brentford's goal, with two corners in quick succession, but the Bees defence coped comfortably.

After a jinking run from Harry Forrester on the left Brentford were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, but Jake Bidwell blasted it over the bar.

 

The Bees took the lead when Adam Forshaw crossed from the right and a clever back heel by Jonathan Douglas left Hayes to steer the ball home from close range.

Flinders pulled off a good save when a Forrester corner was met by a powerful shot from Harlee Dean.

Simon Moore was called upon to make a good save from Ryan Noble at the other end, before Antony Sweeney broke down the right and after cutting the ball back Ritchie Humphreys scuffed his shot over.

Hartlepool drew level with a stroke of fortune after Sweeney took the ball to the byline and his shot from a narrow angle deflected off Dean and past Moore.

After more good work by Sweeney Noble headed over from five yards out.
Brentford restored their lead less than 15 minutes into the second half when Donaldson crossed from the right and Hayes headed past Flinders.

Shortly after Forrester came close to extending his side with a goo free kick from the right side of the box, but Flinders tipped the ball over the bar.
Evan Horwood wasted a chance with a free kick from the edge of the box when he fired into the wall.

In the last ten minutes Donaldson got a touch on a dangerous cross from Bidwell, but the ball was scrambled clear.

As the game entered added on time Brentford let slip their lead when Tony Craig headed a corner from the right into his own net.


Brentford: Moore, Logan, Dean (sub Legge h/t), Craig, Bidwell; Diagouraga, Donaldson, Forshaw (sub Adeyemi 84), Forrester; Hayes (sub Spencer 82), Donaldson

Subs (not used): Lee, O'Connor, Barron, Dallas

Attendance: 5213

Man of the Match: Paul Hayes

Goals:  Hayes 11, 58