TOWN missed out on a return to the play-off placings but this could prove a valuable point on the learning curve that is Coca-Cola League I.
Uncompromising Brentford, ranked fifth in the form table to Town's 12th, made life very hard and Peter Jackson's willing battlers had to draw on all their strength, character and ability to come from behind for a draw.
A terrific home contingent of 10,500 appreciated Town's efforts as much as they bemoaned those of referee Carl Boyeson, who missed some flailing elbows and a couple of hot penalty appeals in a fiercely contested game of contrasting styles.
He also awarded a strange drop ball after Nathan Clarke appeared to win possession in a melee and, from the resulting corner and confusion, Sami Sodje - brother of Town's Efe and Akpo - claimed a 62nd-minute lead with assistance from Clarke's outstretched leg.
It was a kick in the teeth for Town, who had Tony Carss at left wing-back and Junior Mendes at the point of attack, but they rallied superbly and were level only eight minutes later.
This time, Sodje failed to shut out Danny Schofield down the left and when his deep cross found Abbott lurking in space, the leading scorer rammed in his 12th of the season off the underside of the bar.
It was no more than Abbott deserved because, after 16 minutes, he was desperately unlucky to see another volley crash out off the bar following a lovely flick over the shoulder to elude the covering Stewart Talbot and Jay Tabb in the box.
Town had previously gone close when keeper Stuart Nelson failed to hold a Nathan Clarke drive and did well to push the follow-up from Junior Mendes around a post (although it was mysteriously given as a goalkick).
And it was something of a surprise when Brentford suddenly seemed to take charge of the half, animated manager Martin Allen covering himself in tea when throwing his cup to the floor in frustration at one missed opportunity.
It needed the brilliance of Paul Rachubka to save from John Salako when stranded one-on-one in the 35th minute, while Deon Burton was twice left unmarked as the pressure built.
Rachubka - given a tremendous reception on his return - made another outstanding save to keep out Jamie Lawrence's shot on the turn after 55 minutes and, when Sodje scored, it looked as if Brentford would have only a second away win of the campaign.
With Holdsworth immaculate on the right, however, and Schofield working hard to fashion openings down the left, there was hope in Town's play which Mendes and Abbott looked capable of turning into something more tangible.
Mendes, in fact, should have equalised on 67 minutes when Abbott robbed Sodje on the left and fed him the sort of pass which invited a goal, but the sprawling Andrew Frampton managed to block.
After Abbott netted, a flashing 30-yard drive from Holdsworth had the crowd on their feet, while the wing-back turned provider in stoppage time, curling a perfect cross for substitute John McAliskey just six yards out.
Last season, he would have scored and won the match. This time he aimed a few inches wide and the chance of last-gasp glory was gone.
It was a shame, but Town can reflect on coming through a terrifically tough examination with a point and put the lessons learned to good use later in the season.
Man of the Match: Nathan Clarke
Magnificent at the back and his long throw put some real pressure on the Brentford back line. Scouts from Wigan and Leeds United will have taken note. He's in tremendous form
How they rated:
Paul Rachubka Made brilliant saves to deny Salako and Lawrence to keep Town in the game and made a solid contribution Rating: 8/10
Andy Holdsworth Hardly put a foot wrong all game and went close to scoring with a cracking drive just minutes after Abbott got the equaliser Rating: 8/10
Tony Carss Moved to left wing-back at the expense of Lloyd, allowing Schofield to return in midfield. Made some clever passes Rating: 7/10
Steve Yates Unflappable showing and brought the best out of his teammates. Only taken off to allow Town an extra striker Rating: 7/10
Nathan Clarke Inspirational and did enough in the second half to just shade top mark from Holdsworth and returning Rachubka Rating: 9/10
David Mirfin Strong and dependable, he made some valuable interceptions when the Brentford strikers were weaving through Rating: 7/10
Chris Brandon Taken off when fading in the second half, he did a lot of valuable chasing back to stop counter attacks Rating: 7/10
Jon Worthington Town's new team captain did his best work when helping out the defence and the physical battle suited his combative style Rating: 7/10
Danny Schofield Unlucky not to score with a couple of efforts but teed up Abbott for the equaliser and showed good skills Rating: 7/10
Pawel Abbott Cracked in his 12th goal of the season and unlucky with super skill and a volley against the bar in the first half Rating: 7/10
Junior Mendes Unlucky with a follow up in the first half and had a good chance blocked in the second. Involved in plenty of good things Rating: 7/10
Spotlight on the ref:
CARL BOYESON, who did a sound job at the stadium last season when Tony Carss scored his wonder goal against Torquay United, this time had a horrible match.
Quite a few off-the-ball niggles went unpunished and, even after consulting his assistant about an elbow on Steve Yates in the second half, he gave nothing more than a free-kick.
One handball by Sodje in the first half looked a pretty clear penalty, but several other decisions left everyone baffled and the bulk of the crowd booing in frustration at the end.
Brentford: (4-4-2) Nelson, O'Connor, Turner, Sodje, Frampton, Tabb (Harrold 90), Hargreaves, Talbot (Lawrence 52), Salako, Rankin, Burton.
Subs not used: Myers, Rhodes, Julian.
