Brentford striker Ben Strevens has admitted he should have made it a debut to remember after missing chance to open his goal account for his new club at the weekend.

The 29-year-old made a signifcant impact after coming on as a second half substitute to help his side battle back from a goal down to escape Gateshead with an FA Cup first round 2-2 draw.

Strevens spurned a gilt-edged opportunity after Carl Cort’s 61st minute equaliser as Kevin O’Connor’s 70th minute volley ultimately ensured the Bees were in the hat for the second round draw and a possible clash with Walsall.

But the former Dagenham & Redbridge man, who has battled back from a broken leg suffered during pre-season, conceded just getting on the pitch alongside new strike partner Cort was a relief.

“The result didn’t go our way, but it was good to be out there. It has been long awaited,” said Strevens.

“It has been a frustrating three and a half months.

“The boys reacted well to going a goal behind. We came back and deserved to go 2-1 in front.

“Going in front you would think we had done the hard part, but we didn’t defend a ball in the box. We can bring them back to Griffin Park on a Tuesday night under the lights and we expect to win.

“Carl is a very good player. I tried to play off him and I got a chance, but I think I should have scored.”

Boss Andy Scott admitted he hadn’t expected to need Strevens, but Steve Kabba’s illness and Charlie MacDonald’s absence with his wife expecting a baby this week, meant he was called into action earlier than expected.

“If we had known we were going to need Ben we would have made sure he did plenty of work in training to get him up to speed,” added the Bees manager.

“As a result of Steve and Charlie being missing at the last minute we had to throw him in.

“He did very well. He showed what a good player he is, but it was probably a couple of days too soon for him.”