Brentford relishing Chelsea FA Cup tie

Brentford assistant manager Alan Kernaghan says the League One side cannot wait for their FA Cup meeting with west London neighbours Chelsea.

The Bees set up a fourth round tie at home to the Premier League side after beating Southend 2-1 on Tuesday.

Kernaghan told BBC London 94.9: "It's a chance for us to pit ourselves against the Champions League winners.

"It is hugely exciting but fraught with a danger and we are looking forward to it desperately."

Brentford have only lost once in their last 19 matches in all competitions and currently lie third in the League One table, four points off the automatic promotion places.

Kernaghan says that they must try and put the Chelsea game to the back of their minds.

"There is a lot of hard work between now and then," he added.

"We've got Tranmere Rovers at home on Saturday and that will bring us down to earth.

"They're top of our league and if we're all honest, that is the be-all and end-all of our season - to try and get promotion. That is what we will be concentrating on."

Chelsea and Brentford last met in 1950 and Bees chief executive Mark Devlin revealed the game, which will be shown on TV, could be worth as much as £300,000 to the club.

"It is not just about finance," Devlin said.

"It is fantastic for the fans and it will give us a chance to show what this club is all about and what we are trying to achieve.

"Longer term, for the good of the club, promotion is our number one aim.

"That doesn't mean we can't enjoy what is happening."

Brentford overcame Southend in their third round replay despite an inspired performance by Shrimpers goalkeeper Paul Smith, who had a three-and-a-half year spell at Griffin Park earlier in his career.

"We really got at them and created a number of chances," Kernaghan said.

"It was like [former Poland goalkeeper] Jan Tomaszewski was in goal for them. It was slightly frustrating and there was that danger they could nick it.

"We showed good spirit and character to come back when they did equalise."