Half-time: Bolton 0 Brentford 1

John Swift’s early goal gave Brentford the lead at the break in Lee Carsley’s final match in charge.

With new head coach Dean Smith watching from the stands, Chelsea loanee Swift was the first to impress with a curled shot from the edge of the box after being set up by Alan Judge.

Bottom of the table Bolton, who revealed before kick-off their players had not been paid for November, almost hit back through Shola Ameobi, but Bees keeper David Button tipped his well-struck shot behind.

In a busy opening 15 minutes, Alan McCormack forced Ben Amos into a save while at the other end, ex-Hayes winger Liam Feeney misjudged an attempted lob and Button gathered.

Brentford had two big chances late in the half. Lasse Vibe wasted a one-on-one as Amos blocked with his legs while Swift fashioned a volley into the ground which the keeper tipped over.

However, goalscorer Swift’s half ended with a yellow card for diving after a penalty claim.

Carsley’s final team selection showed just one change from the team which beat Nottingham Forest nine days ago, with Jack O’Connell replacing the suspended Harlee Dean.

Brentford: Button; Yennaris, Tarkowski, O’Connell, Bidwell; McCormack, Diagouraga; Woods, Judge, Swift; Vibe.
Subs: Bonham, Barbet, Kerschbaumer, Gogia, Canos, Hofmann, Saunders.