Bees recovery continues with victory over Stoke

Brentford 3 Stoke 1

Thomas Frank picked up his third win as Brentford boss as his team’s resurgence continued.

After an early own goal from Ryan Shawcross, excellent strikes from Said Benrahma and Rico Henry won a game totally dominated by the Bees.

Benrahma swept home after a neat team move before the Potters – under new manager Nathan Jones – pulled a goal back through Benik Afobe before half-time.

Henry cut inside from left and skilfully beat a defender before firing low into the bottom corner for the goal of the game – and Brentford could have had more.

Unbeaten in four Championship matches since manager Frank switched to playing three centre-backs, Ollie Watkins’ inclusion was the only change, with Alan Judge dropped from the squad as he nears a move to Ipswich.

The hosts led when Benrahma’s shot was cleared off the line by Afobe but straight into the face of Shawcross, who watched in horror as it bounced into the bottom corner.

Neal Maupay also went close, forcing Jack Butland into a low save, before Watkins’ fine through-ball to Romaine Sawyers allowed him to tee up Behrahma to make it 2-0.

And, after Afobe pulled one back in Stoke’s only real attack of the first half, Brentford continued to boss things and create openings.

Left wing-back Henry, who had enjoyed the freedom of his flank for the entire game, created his own chance and goal with a fine solo run on 54 minutes.

And Watkins hit the bar late on after Maupay had forced Butland into another good save when he tipped his effort over .