Allen: Stroud 'outstanding'

Brentford boss Martin Allen was less than diplomatic towards referee Keith Stroud.

The Bees claimed a first leg draw from their League One play-off semi-final with The Swans, despite having goalkeeper Stuart Nelson sent off for a reckless lunge on Leon Knight eight minutes after half time.

Jay Tabb had given Brentford an early lead, but Swansea's Sam Ricketts made sure the tie was left well poised for Sunday's second leg at Griffin Park with a late equaliser.

Despite initially having no arguments with Nelson's red card, the former Barnet boss sarcastically praised Stroud for his officiating at The Liberty Stadium.

"I thought the ref was outstanding," Allen told Sky Sports News.

"I'm not going to go into detail, I can't afford the fine.

"I thought it was a sending off, but when our players keep getting tackled from behind and taken out, I thought the new rules state you have to get a yellow card, but obviously I haven't read the rules.

"It was a terrific game, we played really well and our team was in control until the sending off.

"Even with ten men, we looked comfortable, but (Lee) Trundle came on and it opened up a little bit, that was the difference."

The South West London club will have Nelson available for Sunday's second leg, as Allen has opted to appeal against the goalkeeper's red card on Friday.

Their appeal cannot be heard until next week by the Football Association - thus allowing Nelson to play against The Swans.