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Championship round-up: Brentford thrive on fast start

Brentford up to third; Watford spoil Clarke's start

Mark Burton
Saturday 20 December 2014 20:51 GMT
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Brentford scored three first-half goals at Cardiff and then held off the home side’s fightback to win 3-2 and move up to third place in the Championship.

The Bees made a blistering start and smart finishes by Alex Pritchard, Andre Gray and Jota Peleteiro Ramallo put Mark Warburton’s side in total control. Craig Noone and Kenwyne Jones pulled goals back for Cardiff, but Brentford held on to make it seven wins from eight games in a push for promotion.

Warburton compared his small club to Burnley, who went up last season. “Everyone said Burnley worked hard and they were committed and no one spoke about their quality. The same goes for us.”

Reading caught out

Ten-man Watford spoil Clarke’s fresh start

Steve Clarke, brought in to turn round Reading’s Championship fortunes only on Tuesday, saw his new charges succumb 1-0 at home to Watford. The high-flying Hornets, who survived the dismissal of the defender Gabriele Angella just before half-time, stole the points with a breakaway goal by Almen Abdi 20 minutes from time.

Reading’s display was much better than the 6-1 thrashing by Birmingham that cost Nigel Adkins his job, but the defeat left them 17th in the table. “The only thing we didn’t do today was stick the ball in the net,” said Clarke, who was sacked by West Bromwich a year ago. “This is a league in which if you can get on a roll, you can very quickly go up the table.”

Wolves salvage point

Batth strikes late to deny 10-man Brighton

Danny Batth slowed Wolves’ slide down the Championship by earning them a 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Brighton with a late equaliser. On-loan Darren Bent had put Brighton ahead after 10 minutes but they had Bruno was sent off for a two-footed lunge in the 58th minute.

MK Dons goal rush

Grigg sparks second successive romp

Milton Keynes have gone goal crazy. After beating Colchester 6-0 in their previous home League One game, they thrashed Oldham 7-0 yesterday to move up to second place. Will Grigg scored twice.

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