During the1929–30English football season,Brentfordcompeted in theFootball League Third Division South.Brentford finished as runners-up, the club's highest finish in thepyramidat that time and statistically it is the club's best-ever season.[1]Brentford became the fifth club to win all their homeFootball Leaguematches in a season and as of the end of the2015–16season, the Bees' total of 21 home victories from 21 matches has never been bettered.Billy Laneset a new club record of 33 goals in all competitions, which would stand for three years and the club also reached the final of theLondon Challenge Cupfor the first time.
BrentfordmanagerHarry Curtistinkered with his squad in the 1929 off-season, releasinghalf backsJack Beacham,Stephen Dearnand a number of youngforwardswho failed to make the grade during theprevious season.In camefull backTom Adamson,half backsReginald Davies(the newcaptain),[2]Harry Saltand forwardsCecil Blakemore,Jackie Foster,Billy LaneandJohn Payne.[3]Brentford went on to have their best season at that time in theFootball League,ending 1929 in second place and ascending to the top of theThird Division Southon 25 January 1930.[4]The good results were due to a consistently fit starting XI, which went unchanged for 21 consecutive matches in all competitions between 2 November 1929 and 15 March 1930, a club record.[5]Top spot was held onto until a 0–0 draw withExeter Cityon 29 March sawPlymouth Argyleovertake the Bees and automatic promotion was effectively conceded after successive defeats in mid-April.[4]Brentford finished as runners-up and would remain in the Third Division South for1930–31.[4]The Bees finished the season with four players scoring 15 goals or more – Billy Lane (33),Jack Lane(19), John Payne (16) and Cecil Blakemore (15).[6]
Brentford became the fifth club to win all their home league matches in a season and as of the end of the2015–16season, the club's achievement of 21 wins from 21 matches is still a national record.[7]Billy Lane's 33 goals smashed Brentford's record for goals scored in a season,[8]which stood until surpassed byJack Hollidayin 1933.[9]A club record was also set for most league victories in a season (28, which would not be equalled until the Bees' promotion fromLeague Onein2013–14), most home league goals scored in a season (66) and owing to the 100% winning home record, fewest home league draws and defeats (0).[1][10]The 6–0 victory overMerthyr Townon 14 September 1929 set a new club record for highest winning margin in a Football League match,[11]while the 5–1 victory overWest London rivalsFulham on 22 February 1930 attracted a 21,966 crowd toGriffin Park,then a club record for a home match.[12]Brentford also reached the final of theLondon Challenge Cupfor the first time, but lost 2–1 toWest Ham United.[13]In 2013, 1929–30 was voted by the Brentford supporters as the club's fourth-best season.[7]
In recognition of the club's unbeaten home record, at the club's annual meeting in July 1930, chairman Louis P. Simon presented a silver shield, on which were inscribed the names of the principle XI which achieved the feat –Fox,Stevenson,Adamson, Davies,Bain,Salt,Foster,J. Lane,W. Lane, Blackmore and Payne.[14]
^""Bees" Start Training. Trainer Pleased. The New Players: A Strong Forward Line: Two Rumours: The Practice Matches: Brentford v. Chelsea — At Cricket ".County of Middlesex Independent.9 August 1930.
^""Bees" Brilliant Season Reviewed. The Weak Spot Remedied. Reason For Away Failures; Making Of The Side; Why Manager Deserves Praise; Tribute To Trainers; Dumbrell Goes To Leicester ".County of Middlesex Independent.17 May 1930.
