Brentford came away from Burton with a hard fought, but well deserved, 2-0 win over the struggling Brewers thanks to a second half own goal and a daisy-cutter clincher from Ollie Watkins.

The Bees were on top throughout in reality, but it was a frustrating first half in which the visitors came up against a tough Burton rear-guard, and it was surprising that with so much at stake, and so much to play for, neither the home fans or players really looked up for raising the roof.

Ryan Woods had three men marking him during much of the game, but still looked a class act on the ball, as did Jozefzoon and Josh Clarke, who were full of running and caused the Brewers a constant threat – Sawyers and Watkins came into the game more and more as the match unfolded, especially in the second period when the home side began to tire. Burton did blaze one over from close range though, which was a bit of an escape

The real talking point at half time (as you will hear in the post match podcast and video above) was whether Neil Maupay should have been sent off for a second bookable offence – the young French striker had talked himself into the referee’s book for dissent, then made a late tackle before the break which on another day could have seen us down to ten. Dean Smith obviously agreed with the feeling that he needed to be subbed – and Marcondes was given the second 45 minutes.

The switch seemed to have a real impact, with far more pace being injected from the start of the second period – but it still took an own goal to break the deadlock which culminated in two over-hit crosses eventually being turned into his own net by Kyle McFadzen on the hour mark.

Flojo hobbled off after the last of a fair few fouls on him, with Sergi Canos entering the fray. The game was wrapped up with ten minutes to go when Ollie Watkins cut inside his marker, ran across the edge of the box, then scuffed a shot into the bottom corner that just rolled into the net… maybe not an emphatic finish, but a well taken goal none-the-less.

All in all a thoroughly deserved Brentford win over the ninety minutes, and although the Bees weren’t at their best, only one side was really looking dangerous and we controlled the game on the whole. The win leaves Brentford five points outside the play-off pack in tenth place, so there’s still so much to aim for this campaign.

Dave Lane

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