Brentford shot-stopper Simon Moore thriving on pressure of promotion to the Championship

Speaking after Wednesday night’s vital 2-0 win at Crewe Alexandra, Moore said the team watched Tuesday night’s League One results come in at the hotel and knew what was needed when they ran out at Gresty Road – and they duly delivered.

Now, with four games to go, Brentford are sitting pretty in third place, just two points off the automatic promotion spots, but with an all-important game in hand.

Moore faces up to in-form Portsmouth at Griffin Park on Saturday, knowing nothing short of a win will do.

“The lads were excellent against Crewe, we started like a house on fire and put in a really professional performance,” he said.

“It was a long couple of days travelling up there on Tuesday, and then spending all day at the hotel on Wednesday.

“That just adds to how good we were on the night.”

Moore has been a virtual ever-present this season under the watchful eye of boss Uwe Rosler – a mentor that Moore is all too keen to keep and, moreover, impress.

He said: “The boss has been superb to me. There are not many 22-year-old keepers playing week in, week out like me, and that is down to him.

“I like to think I have repaid the faith he showed in me. His man-management skills are second to none – he is the kind of boss you want to play for.

“Last week, I made my first real high-profile mistake of the season at MK Dons, and he was great about it. “If you think I have played something like 40 games this season, and that was my first mistake, it is not bad.

“I don’t dwell on mistakes. What you have to do is learn from them – if you do that then there is not much more you can do.

“But there is pressure on us, we know that. But what would we prefer? Playing in mid-table with no chance of promotion, or the pressure of avoiding relegation?

“No, I’d much rather be playing in these big games, whatever the pressure.

“If anything, I thrive on the pressure.”

Beaten: Simon Moore is beaten against Sheffield United, something that has not happened too often this season 

Brentford have been hailed as a young side turning in professional performances, but Moore is quick to point out the huge contribution made by the more experienced players.

He said: “We’ve stuck together throughout the season, and that is part of the reason behind how we’ve managed to stay together as a team.

“But it is a real help having players around you with the experience us younger players don’t have.

“Players like Kevin O’Connor and Tony Craig have so much advice to give, I have learnt so much from them.” Brentford host Portsmouth tomorrow, with Moore convinced the Griffin Park crowd will continue to inspire them.

He said: “There is no better place to play than Griffin Park when it is rocking.”

Tomorrow's visit of Portsmouth is an all ticket match and tickets will not be available on the day.