Brentford secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Bristol City, with striker Ivan Toney breaking the Championship’s goal scoring record.
Bryan Mbeumo and Sergi Canos also bagged for Brentford, with debutant Louis Britton pulling back a consolation for City.
The Robins had the first sighter of the afternoon, with lone striker Tommy Conway firing straight at David Raya from a distant free-kick.
Finnish forward Marcus Forss came close a few minutes later, dragging a beautiful through ball from fellow Nord Mathias Jensen wide. The 21 year-old was unable to add to his seven goals so far this season.
With the eyes of all on the events at Pride Park and the Cardiff City Stadium, the spectacle at Ashton Gate was somewhat underwhelming in the first period – Raya pulled out a world-class save to deny Nakhi Wells, but th Bermudan was ruled offside.
The second half began, with the Bees immediately exerting dominance. Ivan Toney struck the side netting a minute in – chasing the Championship goal record.
And much to the relief of Brentford fans, he would get it. After excellent work from Sergi Canos, the ball fell to the ex-Peterborough man, who rounded Bentley and slotted in to an empty net.
His 31 goals eclipses Glenn Murray’s Crystal Palace tally, and he was substituted swiftly afterwards in preparation for their playoff campaign.
The Bees would double their lead in the 78th minute with what can simply be described as ‘sexy football’. Some delightful interplay from Canos, Saman Ghoddos and Tariqe Fosu found Mbeumo at the far post, who finished consummately.
Bristol City had faded into obscurity in the second half, and with the withdrawal of experienced players, looked distinctly second best in the second period.
It was confirmed when Brentford make it three, Mbeumo squaring to Canos who deserved a goal from an industrious performance.
The hosts scored a consolation via Louis Britton, who on professional debut nodded in after Brentford fell asleep from a corner.
On a dramatic Championship final day, the two sides had their affairs effectively sorted already. Brentford finish third, and will face Bournemouth in the playoffs. A much needed end-of-season break awaits for Bristol City, who finish 19th.
Bristol City: Bentley; Simpson, Mariappa, Baker, Dasilva; Massengo, Bakinson, Scott, Palmer; Conway, Wells
Subs: O’Leary, Lansbury, Rowe, Vyner, Towler, Edwards, Britton, Sessegnon, Janneh
Brentford: Raya; Norgaard, Jansson, Pinnock; Roerslev, Jensen, Janelt, Canos, Fosu; Toney, Forss
Subs: Daniels, Goode, Marcondes, Mbeumo, Ghoddos, Reid, Sorensen, Bidstrup, Stevens
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