Brentford captain Alan Bennett said the defensive unit were "very happy" with a clean sheet in the draw with Hartlepool United.

The Bees skipper was publicly criticised, along with central defensive partner Mark Phillips, by manager Andy Scott after the 3-2 home defeat to Swindon Town last week and he said he came into the game at Victoria Park determined to put it behind him.

He put in a commanding performance in the heart of Brentford's defence as they picked up a point in a 0-0 draw.

"I don't think anyone will be harder on me than me," said Bennett. "I will be ten times worse on myself than anyone else.

"It was my birthday the next day but it felt more like a funeral.

"The one thing you can do is put it behind you, look forward and try and respond.

"After last week it is a great way to respond.

"It's a clean sheet and we are really happy as a unit.

"The criticism from the manager may have been a kick up the backside for some.

"Nikki Bull and I have just said this is just the start.

"This is the minimum we need to do from now on."

Bennett said it was important The Bees used this as a springboard and had to make sure it was not a one off.

"At Huddersfield we had a great clean sheet bit a week after we were 3-0 at half time [to Bristol Rovers]," he added.

"We can't let that happen again.

"The focus was on the first half performance and keeping two tight banks of four.

"We have done that and we need to keep doing it as a six [the back four, Bull and Kevin O'Connor].

"Now we have to make sure the front five do it going forward and to play well in both areas.

"If we do that we will win the game."

See a full video interview with Alan Bennett on Bees Player on Sunday.

By Chris Wickham