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Brentford came away from Brighton with three well deserved points after a goal in each half from Scott Hogan silenced the home fans and had them streaming for the exits way before the final whistle – even the Seagull’s manager, Chris Hughton, had to admit that his team had been beaten by the better side.

Hogan found two perfect finishes to further underline his potential to the impressive travelling supporters, who had headed to the south coast in hope rather than expectation, but came away beaming that the Bees looked back to the form that saw us surge up the table towards the end of the last campaign.

Josh Clarke was surprisingly given the nod ahead of new loan signing Kaikai on the wing, however, the young winger had an impressive match and proved a great outlet – he put in a good shift down the line – but there were good battling performances all over the pitch. Bjelland’s intruduction at half time, to replace Callum Elder at left back, really did tighten things up at the back too.

There were plenty of chances at both ends in what was an open match over all, but once again, Dan Bentley looked assured and composed between the sticks, and when he was finally beaten just before the half-time whistle, John Egan was there to head off the line to preserve the lead.

The opener came on the half-hour when Lewis Macleod threaded an excellent ball to put Hogan clean through – his clinical finish was the first goal Albion had conceded at the Amex this season.

Most Bees expected an onslaught in the second period, and for Brighton to come out all guns blazing, in an attempt to swing the match back in their favour, but Brentford were resolute at the back, and intelligent in poseession – Hogan’s second goal really was the win-clincher though – with the home fans resigned to defeat and heading for the exits. Harlee Dean, who found himself out wide, played a ball into Hogan who took a touch past his marker and slammed it home… a moment of genuine individual class from the striker.

I’m not sure if the home players picked up on the exodus from the stands, but if they did, I’m sure it wouldn’t have helped their self belief in mounting a come-back with plenty of time left on the clock.

The game went end to end in the final period but, in truth, it was Brentford who looked the more likely to add to their lead – Sawyers flashed a shot wide when he should have hit the target at least, then Hogan almost scrambled another one home, which would have been no more than he deserved after some tireless work so far this season.

Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Giles, spoke openly to Beesotted after the match on the Pride of West London Podcast (click link above) and gave his thoughts on the match – and combined with the comments from the Brentford and Brighton fans – the podcast underlines Brentford’s credentials and superiority on the day.

The win sets up the midweek trip to Aston Villa perfectly as Dean Smith’s side tries to build some momentum – there will be over 2,000 Brentford fans up at Villa Park on Wednesday to cheer the side on to what we all hope will be another memorable Championship day out.

Beesotted will be there once again to Tweet and report live from the game – but do all you can to be there too – it will be the first time we’ve taken on The Villains for several generations and it’ll be a cracking atmosphere for sure.

Dave Lane
@beesotted1oo