TWO members of footballing clans helped Brentford complete their shock comeback.

Everyone knows about manager Martin Allen, the son of Dennis, nephew of Les and cousin of Clive, Paul and Bradley.

But it was Nigerian defender Sam Sodje who helped create the first goal and scored the second during an impressive afternoon against Premiership opposition.

Sodje is the brother of Huddersfield duo Akpo and Efe.

Like younger brother Sam, 33-year-old Efe is a defender and starred for Nigeria during the 2002 World Cup, where he was easily recognisable with his trademark bandana.

Sam's younger brother Akpo, 25, is a striker and, like Brentford's FA Cup hero, came into league football via spells with Stevenage and Margate.

When he was at Margate, Sam, right, had a reputation nearly as notorious as the one Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen earned during his playing days.

It helped persuade the Brentford manager to make him one of his first signings when he took over at Griffin Park last summer.

"He was out of contract last year, when he was sent off four times and it was after one of those I decided to sign him!

"When he was at Margate he used to kick my little forward Guiliano Grazioli all over the place, he never used to let him get a kick.

"When you take a player from non league football it can be a bit of a gamble, but with the full-time training, and his attitude and enthusiasm, he has to improve.

"And how he's not playing for Nigeria, I don't know."

Sodje's headed equaliser means that the next two Tuesdays will define the rest of Southampton's season - starting at West Brom tomorrow.

Premiership survival and a place in the FA Cup quarter finals would constitute success, bearing in mind the club's parlous position when Harry Redknapp took over.

But defeat at The Hawthorns would see the confidence gained in recent weeks drain away - and leave Saints with a major battle to avoid second tier football for the first time in three decades.

And with Brentford due a slice of luck after their admirable efforts at St Mary's - and Bryan Robson's Baggies likely to be backed by vociferous support - Saints will need to be on their mettle in West Bromwich and West London to avoid what would be a forgettable seven days.

A partisan crowd can be expected at Griffin Park as well as the Hawthorns.

There were several Bees supporters in the home crowd at St Mary's and Allen, who conducted the Brentford support from his dug out, has suggested that those without tickets on Saturday should be given priority next week.

Some would argue that a defeat for Saints on Saturday would have been better than the draw. At least it would have allowed them to focus on Premiership survival without a tricky trip to Brentford to distract them.

But it could have been so different. Victory against Brentford and the prospect of a second quarter final in three years would have seen Saints depart for the Midlands with a spring in their step.

But Sodje's contribution ensured that The Hawthorns tomorrow and Griffin Park on March 1 will be no place for any faint Saints hearts.

Anything against Arsenal on Saturday will be a bonus and victory would surely see Saints go on to survive.

But, realistically, it is the next two Tuesdays that are the key to Southampton's season.