Greville Waterman on a draw that could have been so much more.

It was a freezing night at Griffin Park but everyone went home warm and happy at the entertainment served up as the best game of the season ended all square.

Yet it all looked so different at the interval. Saints led through Lloyd James's early 25 yard swerver after some dozy marking and for all Brentford's possession and Weston's mazy runs it was Southampton who looked more dangerous with Lallana hitting the bar and former Bees triallist Michail Antonio, the post.

O'Connor's 20 yard poke on half time forced Kelvin Davis into his first save but the keeper earned his money with five quite brilliant saves as Brentford took control and played some scintillating football.

Lee Barnard though could have made things academic when the striker, still looking for his first Saints goal after his move from Southend missed horribly when clean through.

Bean and O'Connor won the midfield battle, Weston and Dickson combined beautifully and sub Sam Saunders used the ball well.

The back four were solid with new hero Leon Legge and Tommy Smith dominant.

MacDonald and Weston went close and Charlie hit the post after Davis parried a Saunders shot.

For all their dominance it seemed that Brentford's efforts would go unrewarded after O'Connor's penalty was well saved but Dickson's delicious curling cross was met by Legge's head for a fully deserved equaliser.

This was a great game of football and it made the fans proud to see a Brentford team that cost less than £75,000 in total more than match the big spenders from Southampton.