Brentford dramatically take all three points at home to Middlesbrough to continue promotion push

In a flurry of second-half goals, it was Ollie Watkins in the 87^th minute who made the all-important finish for the home side.

The Bees started well and created the first goalscoring opportunity, but the attempt was desperately headed off the line by Dael Fry. However, goal-line technology did come to Brentford’s rescue as the referee confirmed Julian Jeanviers volley had crossed the line and gave the hosts the lead.

That goal came shortly after Saïd Benrahma was linking up nicely with Watkins and then arriving in the box only for his shot to be deflected for the decisive corner that put Brentford one-nil up.

Fans had to be patient for the second half to see majority of the goals, but Lewis Wing’s leveller was worth the wait. When receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, Wing, who looks to be aiming for David Raya’s far corner, guides the ball at pace in the near post.

It was not long before Thomas Frank’s side restored their lead, a few minutes in fact, with Bryan Mbuemo smashing the ball first time from just outside the box.

Boro looked set to take away a point from Griffin Park through an Ashley Fletcher header, but the Bees were determined to continue their push for promotion as Watkins sealed the win late on after a well-worked move.

Frank’s side will face fellow promotion challengers, Leeds, in their next fixture which their Danish boss understands could be vital in achieving their Premier League ambitions this season.

“Everyone knows it’s a big game. I think it’s between two of the best footballing sides in this division.” The Brentford coach hailed his side as one of the top teams in the division, of which many supporters would find it hard to disagree with at this time.

For Jonathan Woodgate’s team, they can take positives from how they performed, but without a win in five games they are hovering dangerously over the relegation positions.

“It was a really good performance. We controlled large parts of the game, they’re a top side and we more than matched them. I’m disappointed but the performance was there and the wins will come with performances like that.” Woodgate is sure better results will come and ultimately keep them in the Championship.

Boro travel away again, this time to the DW Stadium where they face Wigan Athletic who are also fighting for points to avoid the drop.

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