A combination of Mark Flekken’s excellence and a misfiring Julio Enciso ensured Brighton’s winless Premier League run extended to six games after being held to a goalless draw by injury-hit Brentford at the Amex.
Enciso, making his first league start under Fabian Hurzeler, struck a post early on, one of eight shots the Paraguay striker had in a first half dominated by the home side.
However, Brentford No 1 Flekken – who has made more saves than any other ‘keeper in the top flight this season – was in inspired form between the posts to keep the scoreline goalless, even after the Dutchman was forced off with a groin problem nine minutes before half-time.
Things got worse for the Bees when a limping Ben Mee then also had to be replaced with 12 minutes to go as their number of walking wounded increased to 12 players, with centre-back the absolute last position manager Thomas Frank could afford an injury to.
But the visitors held firm to end a run of three straight league defeats, picking up just their second league point on the road this campaign, while Brighton’s wait for a top-flight victory stretches back to November 23, when they were fifth, five places below where they are now.
