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Brentford's spirit backed by Owusu

Andrew McDermott
Wednesday 01 May 2002 00:00 BST
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Lloyd Owusu believes the high level of team morale at Brentford will help the Bees see off Huddersfield Town and reach the Second Division play-off final at Griffin Park tonight.

Steve Coppell's men are firm favourites to secure a trip to the Millennium Stadium after earning a goalless draw in Sunday's first leg in West Yorkshire and Owusu believes the feeling of unity at Griffin Park will ensure Brentford complete the job in the return leg.

Coppell has built a young squad on a limited budget, and Owusu is confident they will be able to handle the pressure of the big occasion. "There is a really close atmosphere at the club," he said. "We're all like big brothers on the pitch and we look after each other. That will help. "

Brentford do not have fond memories of the Millennium Stadium or the play-offs The Bees were beaten by Port Vale in the final of the LDV Vans Trophy last season on their first appearance at Wales' national stadium. But they also have a historical incentive to overcome Huddersfield, as seven years ago the Terriers got the better of them at the same stage of the play-offs.

Coppell is likely to name an unchanged side, but the Huddersfield manager, Lou Macari, will again wait on the fitness of Nathan Clarke before naming his line-up. The young central defender failed a late fitness check before Sunday's game, with the on-loan Jerel Ifil deputising for him.

Macari is boosted by the return of the Welsh international Steve Jenkins from suspension, although his leading goalscorer, Leon Knight, is suspended and Danny Schofield, who has a groin injury, are both unavailable.

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