BRENTFORD took on their own fans at Griffin Park on Monday in a match Bees boss Martin Allen described as being just as important as any other game his team have faced this season.

The Bees boss was determined to press ahead with the thank you fixture even though he knew he could pick up injuries ahead of the busy festive schedule.

His promotion-chasing side face four matches in seven days over Christmas but Allen was prepared to run the risk of picking up injuries because he says the fans are what make Brentford special.

He said: "There may not be any league points at stake but it is a very important game for the club because the supporters are very important to us. This is a way of thanking them and raising money for the club at the same time."

He added: "We have got a very special bond with our fans. They pay a lot of money supporting Brentford. It is important they are looked after and this is just another way of involving them in what we do."

Twenty-four fans forked out £200 to play 45 minutes each against their heroes. They got changed in the home dressing room, wore the Bees kit and ran out onto the pitch to music before taking on their idols who, for one game only, and even though they lost 11-1 no-one was complaining at all.

Allen managed the supporters' team while coach Adrian Whitbread took charge of the first team.

And, even though it is a friendly Allen, speaking before the game was determined he would be as competitive as ever on the touchline.

He said: "Nothing will change. The supporters will get the complete Brentford experience.

"I will manage them just like I manage the team. I will treat it just like any other match. I will give them instructions and it will be a great result for me if the supporters win."

He made the fans report to him an hour before kick off, discussed tactics with them and even outlined the weaknesses in the Brentford team.

Bees striker Lloyd Owusu said: " You can't imagine this happening at a Premiership club but this is what the lower leagues are all about.

"We've got a great rapport with the fans. It is like having another family."