BRENTFORD’S need for a new striker - preferably TWO - was underlined on Tuesday when they failed to break through an experimental Portsmouth defence.

Trialists Peter Beadle and Gary McPhee, a late substitute, could make little headway despite the wing raids of Kevin O’Connor and Matt Somner.

Unfortunately, Bees are likely to be without these two outstanding players due to international duties during what looks like being a testing season for the club.

Connor has been picked for the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad against Poland on August 19 and Somner gets his first call up for the Welsh Under 21 squad to play Serbia and Montenegro on the same day.

No wonder manager Wally Downes refused to be drawn when asked afterwards if he felt the Bees could gain promotion. He said: “I don’t look at things that way - I simply ask the players to give me good performances.” But Downes was pleased with his side’s overall display and gave a big hint when he declared: “I think nine of those who started will be in contention for Saturday’s opening league game at Tranmere.” Presumably the odd ones out could be the strikers.

If they had possessed more firepower, the Bees could easily have gained a draw against a Pompey side including few candidates for their Premiership side. One exception was former Derby star Georgi Kinkladze, who showed some wonderful touches in midfield and will surely earn a contract from Harry Redknapp.

Brentford had no one to match him, but they had their moments, with Peters and Steve Evans only just off-target and Stephen Hunt’s fierce drive bringing a fine save from keeper Kawaguchi.

Substitutes Stephen Hughes and Jay Tabb also earned applause with surging runs.

Portsmouth’s Deon Burton missed the best chance when set up by Kinkladze, his slowness allowing Paul Smith to whip the ball off his feet.

The only goal came from Vincent Pericard in the 66th minute as Bees looked in vain for an off-side flag. Pericard was left with the simple task of nodding the ball in after keeper Smith, a target for Portsmouth and several other clubs, had pushed out a shot from Shaun Cooper.

Brentford: P. Smith; Dobson (Trayner, 80), Sonko (Frampton, 71), Roget (Fieldwick, 71), Somner; O’Conner (McPhee, 81), J. Smith, Evans (Hughes, 76), Hunt; Peters (Tabb, 60mins), Beadle (Allen-Page, 71).