Brentford hit back with win over Cherries

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Brentford 3 Bournemouth 1

Brentford’s season appears to be back on track after a hard-fought victory over title-chasing Bournemouth.

After a week of turmoil over manager Mark Warburton’s future included successive league defeats, goals from Jonathan Douglas, Alex Pritchard and substitute Chris Long kept them to within a point of the play-off places.

The Bees went ahead on nine minutes when Douglas, who signed a new 18-month contract on Friday, smashed home from close range after beating his marker.

Jota and Pritchard also had decent chances in the first half, with Jota’s effort forcing keeper Artur Boruc into a full-stretch save towards the far corner.

Marc Pugh levelled for Bournemouth after capitalising on sloppy Brentford defending and found the net after his original effort bounced back off the post.

Brentford striker Andre Gray had an effort cleared off the line by Steve Cook shortly after, while Alan Judge, making his first appearance since January 3, also went close.

But Brentford restored their lead on the cusp of half-time when Boruc gave Prichtard’s well-struck free-kick a helping hand into the corner.

Bournemouth had the better chances early after the break, with the impressive Callum Wilson twice going close and substitute Ryan Fraser proving a constant threat.

But Brentford finished the game strongly and, after Gray missed the target with an unmarked header, Jota had a trio of excellent chances to find a third, with one fierce effort from distance rattling the crossbar.

Long grabbed his first Bees goal in five appearances when he tapped home Pritchard’s cross with seconds remaining.

Brentford (4-3-3): Button; Odubajo, Craig, Tarkowski, Dallas; Douglas, Diagouraga (McCormack 73), Pritchard; Jota, Gray (Long 68), Judge (Toral 59)
Subs not used: Bonham, Dean, Saunders, Smith.

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