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Brentford’s first game of the New Year was certainly one to remember as the Bees not only came from behind to notch a fine away win, but the victory came again Birmingham City, a side that have been a real jinx for almost 25 years.

To say that St. Andrews has not been a happy hunting ground for the boys in red and white in more recent history is a huge understatement, and for a the first 45 minutes at least, it seemed that the miserable run would continue against Gianfranco Zola’s Brum, however, what ever was said in the dressing room at half time certainly had the desire effect.

One-nil down at the break, which could have been worse if it wasn’t for some wasteful finishing from the Blues, the visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck and imposed a quicker, more dominant, attitude which was welcomed by another impressive, noisy Brentford following.

Ryan Woods and Romain Sawyers stood out in the middle, with Lasse Vibe working tirelessly behind Scott Hogan, who grabbed the equaliser after a flowing Bees move… The in-demand striker then saw a penalty well saved after a foul, which looked just outside the box, gifted the Reds their first spot kick of the campaign.

The miss didn’t prove costly thankfully, as an own goal that came as a result of a free kick won by Vibe trickery, then a stunner from 25 yards from sub Nico Yenaris, put the Bees out of sight and sent the travelling fans home happy after watching a far more positive second 45 minutes.

As you will hear on the Pride of West London post match podcast (link above) fans of both sides felt the Bees fully deserved the three points, and if the ‘welcome home’ songs dedicated to Jota that were wafting around all afternoon are anything to go by, hopefully, Brentford have turned a corner and we can put a decent run of performances and results together in the weeks ahead.

Starting with a tricky FA Cup tie against Eastleigh this weekend that marks the return of ex-manager Martin Allen to Griffin Park.

Dave Lane