1 min
Brentford lost for the first time in five league games as they were beaten 1-0 by Championship promotion rivals Nottingham Forest at Griffin Park.
In a match which maintained a constant intensity and end-to-end attacking threat throughout, the Bees failed to find a cutting edge, leaving them with a first home defeat since November.
In the lively opening exchanges, Forest took a fortuitous 14th minute lead as Joe Lolley’s strike took two deflections before looping over Brentford keeper David Raya into the net.
Brentford pushed forward in search of an equaliser with Ollie Watkins leading the charge but the forward shot wide when Said Benrahma was better placed in the side’s best chance of the half.
Forest had golden opportunities to double their advantage either side of the break – an unmarked Joe Worrall heading straight at Raya before Lewis Grabban struck tamely from eight yards out.
At the other end, Emiliano Marcondes’ whipped free kick was tipped over by Brice Samba five minutes from time as Forest remained resolute to claim a crucial top-of-the-table win.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Ollie Watkins’ failure to not play the ball to the better-placed Said Benrahma in the first-half was not only selfish but a massive opportunity missed.
Moan of the Match
Despite catching sight of the Forest goal numerous times, Brentford became increasingly wasteful in the second period and hardly made their keeper work.
Talking Point
How much did Brentford miss their captain, the injured Pontus Jansson?
Man of the Match
Christian Norgaard – one of the few that looked calm and composed throughout, let down by a poor defence and wasteful finishing.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Tim Robinson (West Sussex) – lacked authority as he hesitantly handed out cards and should have given Lewis Grabban a blatant second-half penalty.
Atmosphere
A feisty battle where frustration showed at times with Griffin Park playing its part on a chilly West London evening.
Verdict
Brentford looked slightly disjointed and unsure of their jobs against a tough opposition that made them pay.
