A massive game for both sides and as is usually the way in derby matches it was all a big let down. Rangers haven't won a London derby since 1999 when we beat Palace 6-0 on the last day of the season. A repeat of that never looked likely. It was a near sell out though and atmosphere was electric early on from both sets of fans.

Rangers were unchanged from last week but Andy Thomson was back on the bench, which was good news for us. We started the game brightly and looked up for it. Danny Shittu looked solid at the back and Jerome was full of tricks on the left. Steve Coppell had done his homework though and Brentford doubled up on Thomas from the start and singled him out for some rough treatment.

He was kicked, pushed and had his shirt pulled every time he got the ball but this is something he'll have to get used to now other teams know how good he is. One tackle on him should have produced a yellow card. He was fouled on the wing and after the whistle blew the Brentford defender continued to kick Jerome on the floor.

The ref saw it and spoke to the player but decided not to book him, which just gave them a bigger incentive to kick him. The plan worked as Thomas had a quiet game and the Brentford game plan seemed to be to get stuck into us early and hope to nick a goal on the break.

It was a tense atmosphere though and it looked like a 0-0 from the start to be honest. Brentford should have taken the lead after 20 minutes when Burgess ran through and Forbes slid in to tackle him but appeared to take the man as well as the ball. The ref blew for what looked like a certain penalty but he booked the striker instead for diving. From my view it looked a certain penalty but we weren't complaining that he didn't give it.

We were looking slightly the better side and Gallen had a good chance with a header, which went wide. Foley hit a 30 yard free kick just over the bar whilst Rose had two shots saved by the keeper.

We were looking good and should have got a penalty when Gallen ran through and was pulled back by the last defender. Nothing was given but I suppose it evens things out, as Brentford should have had that penalty earlier on. The closest we came was from a Langley corner, which Owusu almost headed into his own net, but it flashed past the post.

They had a few chances but Evans didn't have a lot to do and Shittu and Palmer were playing well at the back. The news that Port Vale were beating Huddersfield gave us all a lift and the game now became even more vital as a win could put us right in the playoff race. Bristol City being 4-0 down also helped matters, they have really gone to pot in the last few weeks despite looking like certainties for the playoffs two months ago.

Half time came with the news that Huddersfield had equalised but the mood seemed to be confident that we would come out on top in the second half. Brentford made one change at half time taking off Ben Burgess and bringing on youngster Mark McCammon.

We started the half defending far to deep and Brentford had the better of the second half. Rose and Peacock were losing the midfield battle and Thomas and Langley were having quiet games. Brentford began to have a fair share of chances but free kick specialist Paul Evans left his shooting boots at home with two poor efforts.

Owusu had a great chance to open the scoring when a good cross on the left found Owusu unmarked but Evans brilliantly saved his header. Mark McCammon also had a great chance after Owusu headed Martin Rowland's cross on to the bar and McCammon got to the rebound only for Evans and Shittu to clear the danger.

It wasn't all one way traffic though as we enough chances to win it. Andy Thomson came on for the disappointing Dominic Foley and he almost got the chance to score number 22 for the season. A cross into the box saw Thomson in space but Shittu attacked the ball and headed wide when perhaps he should have left it for Thomson to have a go.

Matthew Rose was still having shots from outside the area but most of them went well over. His best effort went in low and beat the keeper but went wide by a matter of inches. It was the closest we came and one half chance for Langley ended in disappointment when he was in acres of space but decided to pass instead of drive on and get the winner.

Jerome went on one of his mazy runs but his shot didn't have enough power to beat the keeper and Gallen also had one curling effort test the keeper but again it didn't have the power to cause them serious worries.

The fans then sang "Stand up if you hate Ron Noades" which saw even the Brentford fans stand on their feet and join in which was good to see. Brentford ended the stronger side and a few late corners caused a few nerves but at the end a 0-0 draw was a good result for them and they must be happy with that.

As the ref blew the final whistle fans ran onto the pitch as they always do despite the warnings that the club could face an FA fine. It was the same as ever and embarrassing to see 14 year olds run to the School End and invite the Brentford fans on the pitch then run for their lives when the police horses come on. It was all pretty stupid but the pitch cleared quickly to give the team a chance to come back on the pitch.

Ian Holloway came out and said a few words which was good to hear, he sounded devastated that we had missed out and said he was "gutted" that we didn't manage to get in the playoffs. Then we saw a few presentations. The Winton's came out to a standing ovation and were given an award from the LSA. Steve Palmer then won the Patrons Player of the Year, Terrell Forbes picked up the LSA player of the year and Andy Thomson got Junior R's player of the Year. Danny Murphy also collected his LSA Young player of the year but it was surprising to see that the club decided not to hand out the official awards.

A few more minutes passed then Holloway came out and explained that due to us coming on the pitch so we all left disappointed. Quite why the players couldn't go into the director's box and receive their applause is anyone's guess. So a bit of an anti climax all round really. The game ended 0-0 and we didn't get the usual lap of honour which the players really deserve this season but we end the season unbeaten at home since November having lost only twice at Loftus Road this season.

Man of the Match: Terrell Forbes

Players Ratings

33. Rhys Evans: Had a very good game today, he claimed every cross with confidence and made one excellent save from Owusu. 7/10

17. Terrell Forbes: Doesn't put a foot wrong defensively and usually causes problems when he gets forward. 9/10

11. Marcus Bignot: Another solid game from Marcus who never lets the team down. 7/10

4. Steve Palmer: His experience is vital to the team and he has formed a good partnership with Danny Shittu. 7/10

31. Danny Shittu: Outstanding again today, he still has areas of his game he needs to work on but he gives his all every week and is a great example to the other young players at the club. 8/10 8. Gavin Peacock: Very poor, he has been a good servant to the club but he is not worth his place in the team. 5/10

12. Matthew Rose: Not as effective as he usually is but he was really unlucky not to score in the second half. 7/10

9. Richard Langley: At times he did some great flicks and tricks but he gave the ball away more than he usually does and had a quiet game. 6/10

26. Jerome Thomas: Like Langley he was brilliant at times but it wasn't his best game and he looked very tired towards the end. 6/10

18. Kevin Gallen: An excellent performance from Gallen who held the ball up brilliantly for the team and worked really hard up front. 8/10

34. Dominic Foley: Passed the ball well but wasn't the threat we needed up front and I don't think he's done enough to get a permanent contract in the last two games. 6/10

Subs:

27. Andy Thomson: Came on for the last fifteen minutes but we didn't create anything for him so he was quiet.