Brentford were this week trying to extend the emergency loan of keeper Nathan Abbey to a third week so he can continue to deputise for injured duo Clark Masters and Stuart Nelson in Saturday's relegation battle with Leyton Orient at Griffin Park.

And they were relieved to hear the Torquay stopper would not incur an FA suspension in the meantime after being charged with violent conduct, together with Boston United coach Paul Raynor, following an incident in a League Two at Plainmoor game on December 16.

Abbey has denied the charge and requested a personal hearing, so he is unlikely to be dealt with for at least two weeks.

Bees manager Scott Fitzgerald said: "Nathan has an appeal coming up in front of the FA. We are waiting to find out more.

"Clark started running last week, but neither he nor Stuart will be fit for Saturday."

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald was trying to make a fifth transfer window signing by snapping up a striker.

Simon Cox has returned to Reading as Brentford decided against asking for a further extension of his loan period.

Rock-bottom Brentford's battle to stay in League One took a blow with a 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Bournemouth on Saturday.

They have won only once in 25 games and, despite starting three new players, their biggest failing - an inability to find the net - continued to haunt them.

An exasperated Fitzgerald said afterwards: "What more could the side do? Score goals. That's what will keep us up or send us down."

One positive was the impressive debuts of David Partridge, who played alongside Adam Griffiths at centre-back, and midfielders Michael Leary and Joe Keith.

Thomas Pinault earned a late call-up after Matt Heywood injured himself in the pre-match warm-up, taking the place of Kevin O'Connor, who dropped back into defence.

The Bees made a shaky start, with former Cherry Griffiths surviving Bournemouth's calls for a penalty when a long-range shot appeared to strike his arm.

They held out until five minutes before the interval, when the home side won a free-kick 25 yards from goal and former England international Darren Anderton fired past Abbey.

Brentford fought hard in the second half, but failed to create enough clear cut chances until the final minutes, when Leary twice tested Bournemouth keeper Neil Moss.

Fitzgerald said: "The new signings were outstanding.

"If there's a blade of grass Michael Leary didn't touch, I'd be very surprised.

"Joey Keith brought us balance on the left and David Partridge was another good addition."

Brentford: Abbey; O'Connor, Partridge, Griffiths, Frampton; Ide (Brooker, 74mins), Pinault (Cox, 78), Leary, Keith; Kuffour, Willock. Subs unused: Brown, Charles, Tillen. Att: 5782.

Brentford, battling to stay afloat after revealing an operating loss for the year of £1.1million, are still in negotiations with former chairman Ron Noades over the repayment due to him on Saturday, January 20 of £250,000.

This is part of the £1.25million loaned to the club by Noades's company Altonwood after the sale of their majority shareholding in Brentford for £1 to supporters' trust Bees United a year ago.

It is hoped Noades will agree to accept a lesser sum.

The club's managing director, Keith Dickens, says Oxford United youth team manager Darren Patterson turned down the Bees job because he felt the six-month notice period on the contract being offered was too short.

The contract would have been extended beyond the end of the current season.