Late Brighton goals send Brentford out
Brentford 0 Brighton 2
Late goals by Lewis Dunk and substitute Chris O’Grady sent Brentford out of the FA Cup.
The third-round tie looked destined for a replay after 88 goalless minutes in which both sides had countless chances to score.
Bees’ top scorer Andre Gray had three great opportunities, while Brighton hit the post twice in the second half through O’Grady the excellent Solly March.
But the Seagulls were sent sailing into the fourth round when Dunk flicked March’s cross into the far corner with two minutes left and O’Grady added the second in stoppage time.
Gray’s first chance came in only the second minute when he rounded Seagulls keeper David Stockdale and sliced a hot from an acute angle that was cleared off the line.
Jota and Alan Judge also went close but Sam Baldock could have given the away side the lead when his toe-end just missed a shot that had deflected beyond the reach of keeper Jack Bonham.
Youngster Bonham, who replaced David Button as one of five changes, had a fine game in his first appearance of the season, and produced a superb save to deny the lively March just after the break.
Bonham also bravely rushed at the Brighton winger after he had stolen the ball from Moses Odubajo in the final third, and forced him to fire wide off the outside of the the upright.
Gray should have found the net when Stockdale parried Jake Bidwell’s cross into his path and he also missed with an unmarked header at the far post.
Bonham again did enough to force O’Grady to fire against the right-hand post late on, but could do nothing to stop Dunk’s well-placed header and O’Grady’s calm finish from inside the box.
Brentford: Bonham; Odubajo, Dean, Tarkowski, Bidwell; Toral (Dallas 78), Diagouraga, Judge (Yennaris 88); Jota, Gray, Smith (Saunders 62)
Subs not used: Lee, Craig, Tébar, Proschwitz.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
