Thomas Frank’s reign got off to a losing start with a 1-0 defeat to Bristol City at Griffin Park.

Brentford largely dominated proceedings until Chris Mepham was shown a second yellow card in the 58th minute.

The dynamic of the game changed after the Bees dropped down to 10 men and City put the hosts under severe pressure in the second half.

Frank’s side still had their chances and came closest to scoring when Watkins powerfully drove a shot into the post 19 minutes from time, but Niclas Eliasson spoiled the Dane’s big day when he converted a cross in the 89th minute.

Continuity was he buzz-word after Dean Smith’s former assistant was appointed as head coach on Tuesday, and the way he set up his side for his first game in charge echoed that sentiment.

He made only one change from the last home game against Birmingham City, reverting back to first choice goalkeeper Daniel Bentley in place of Luke Daniels.

Frank stuck with a 4-3-3 formation, pressing City high and trying to use passing patterns and pace to penetrate the back line.

After the game Frank said his side were unlucky to lose having dominated for large spells, a claim that is backed up by the half-time statistics.

Brentford had 57% possession and seven shots to Bristol’s one, which they did not manage until the 47th minute, in the first period.

Indeed, it could have been a very different outcome if the Bees had taken some golden opportunities.

Neal Maupay could have put his team in front in the ninth minute but he scuffed a shot from six yards and nearly scored in the second half when his low shot was saved by Max O’Leary.

Ollie Watkins also had a shot saved 10 minutes from the break and then hit the post in the 71st minute with a powerful drive across goal from the right side of the box.

(Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

But Frank believes that if his side continues to create so many good chances and play with the same attacking flair, they will win more games than they lose.

The Bees boss also hailed the defensive efforts of his team, saying they coped well with the Robins pressure after going down to 10 men.

City had a host of chances, particularly from corners, but Brentford were so close to weathering the storm and taking a point from the game.

Given the strength of the performance it certainly wasn’t a gloomy atmosphere around Griffin Park at the final whistle.

The outlook is positive in the early stages under Frank and the only hostility in the stadium was towards the referee.

Brentford fans took exception to the lack of protection their players received from City’s tactics to slow the game down and were disappointed by Mepham’s red card.

The defender received his first yellow for a seemingly innocuous incident following a mele in the middle of the pitch and there did not appear to be a lot of contact when he fouled Eliasson for his second yellow.

That decision undoubtedly changed the game and, had it fallen Frank’s way, Brentford could have easily taken all three points.

As it is, they travel to Preston North End on Wednesday without a win in six league outings.

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