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Brentford ended a sequence of defeats with well deserved win at Deepdale against a spirited Preston side. And after a couple of weeks of uncertainty both on and off the pitch, Dean Smith would have been delighted to see a stylish performance and witness some of his fringe players come through with flying colours.

Barbet looked at home in the heart of  defence alongside Dean, with Maxime Colin once again showing what an exciting player he will be for Brentford. But all eyes were on the midfielders to see how they faired following Toumani’s departure to Leeds.

Jake Bidwell’s free kick gave the Bees the lead, although it took a deflection and was eventually credited as an own goal, but the travelling band of 500 plus away fans weren’t able to enjoy the moment for too long thanks to Adam Reach’s pounced equaliser – his shot flashing last Button who didn’t stand a chance.

Brentford continued to push, and it was good to see that the knock back didn’t dampened the spirits, despite the heavens opening on a wet Lancashire afternoon and the visitors retook the lead on 43 mins after a simply stunning move.

Joann Barbet delivered the most tantalisingly perfect cross-pitch pass, which Alan Judge controlled so well that it took out two defenders and allowed him to pick his spot in the bottom corner of the net, sending the Bees in 2-1 up at the break.

Preston came back Brentford after the break as you would expect from a team who have done well in recent months to scrap their way clear of the Championship drop zone – the post rescuing the Bees on one occasion and superb reflex save from Button showing what a first class keeper he has become.

But it was Brentford who struck last and delivered the killer blow with 10 mins to go, with John Swift putting the finishing touch to another sweeping counter attack… A morale boosting win was no more than Brentford’s impressive play deserved and made the long journey back South a bit of a Bees up knees up.

Brentford will need to build on this win on Tuesday evening when Leeds come to Griffin Park… Steve Evans’ team, which includes ex Bees Stuart Dallas and Toumani, pose a stern test in what should be another fascinating encounter.

Dave Lane
@beesotted100