Brentford boss Thomas Frank praised his side’s defensive efforts but was left ruing missed chances as a visit from Stoke finished goalless at Griffin Park.

The Bees now hold the unwanted record of the only team not to have netted against the Potters this campaign who themselves picked up just their second point of the season to move off bottom.

The best chance fell to debutant Nikos Karelis who couldn’t get on the end of a ball put into the six-yard box that could’ve nicked it at the death.

“The plus is that we again looked very solid and were very, very difficult to create chances against, there was almost nothing again today,” Frank told BBC Radio London.

“We created opportunities that on another day could have given us the win or the leading goal.

“It was a good point, we played a game against opponents that defended very well and made it very difficult to create clear cut chances.”

The point takes The Bees up to 17th but the inconsistent form combined with a run of tough upcoming fixtures will give Frank some headaches.

Bryan Mbuemo and Ollie Watkins will hope to find the target more often next time out; only 2 of Brentford’s 12 attempts required the actions of Butland to keep the scores level.

Up next for the Bees is a trip to Barnsley who haven’t managed a win since their opening day victory over Fulham.

Whilst this is presents a good opportunity to pick up the second win on the road this season, this performance against Stoke should serve as a warning to not take their Tykes lightly.

Four of the next five fixtures that follow come against opposition that occupy the top six in the table making Sunday’s game a must-win.

 “Stoke came here with a good game plan. The did everything they could to deny us chances, and they’re fighting for their lives and you can see that today,” added Frank.

“All us players, staff, fans, we of course are disappointed we didn’t get the three points and a nice win and lots of goals at Griffin Park today.

“Unfortunately, that’s the way it is and we just need to keep going, get players up to speed and then I’m 100% sure we will be a big threat.”