Brentford boss Uwe Rosler has not given up hope on a top six finish despite Saturday’s damaging defeat at Stevenage, writes Stuart Amos.

Clayton Donaldson and Sam Saunders both missed penalties as the Bees crashed 2-1 in Hertfordshire to leave them five points adrift of the play-offs.

The two spot kicks would have given them a 2-0 advantage, but instead it was the hosts that went 2-0 up before a late Sam Saunders strike proved little more than a consolation.

Rosler’s men entertain Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow knowing only a win will keep them in the hunt for a top six finish.

Even then they are relying on Stevenage slipping up at Sheffield United to take the race down to the final day.

Brentford travel to struggling Chesterfield – who will be relegated should they lose tomorrow – on the final day of the campaign and the Griffin Park chief wants his side’s to be still alive next weekend.

“I can’t fault my players. We went high risk on Saturday and came back and got the goal. But in the heat of the moment we weren’t doing everything right,” he said.

“Obviously we have to score from two penalties. It is as simple as that. We had some very good performances, but we also had players who under-performed.

“I don’t think Stevenage will win at Sheffield United. We need to win our home game and see where we are.

“We are still mathematically in it. We want to finish as high as we can.”

The defeat ended a run of seven games without defeat, although the previous two games - at Hartlepool United and at home to play-off rivals Notts County - produced back-to-back 0-0 stalemates.

And whatever happens this weekend, boss Rosler reckoned the experience of recent weeks would leave his side better placed next term.

“Obviously it is a learning curve and we have had a few of those now,” he added.

“I would have liked to win a few more of those. I think we are laying the foundations for next year.”