Brentford 2 Bournemouth 1

Last updated : 04 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Stewart Talbot and Isaiah Rankin scored the goals which ensured that Brentford celebrated 100 years at Griffin Park with a win over ten-man Bournemouth.

The Bees played their first game in the West London stadium a century ago and it is proving a happy hunting ground this season as this result maintained their 100 per cent home record.

Talbot gave Brentford the lead on 32 minutes, although his effort actually cannoned into the net off unfortunate full-back Warren Cummings.

The chance was created when defender Eddie Howe failed to get any distance on his header out of the penalty box and Rankin cleverly controlled and laid back for Talbot.

The Bees skipper's low 18-yard shot appeared to be covered by goalkeeper Neil Moss until it hit Cummings and diverted into the bottom right-hand corner.

It was the least that Martin Allen's side deserved and they almost doubled their lead in a decent spell before the half-time break.

Moss was forced to save smartly from both John Salako and Stephen Hunt, while Kevin O'Connor saw his low drive smack against the outside of the post.

However, within two minutes of the second-half the Cherries were further behind as a static defence failed to deal with Salako's curling free-kick and Rankin was left unmarked to bundle in at the near post with a stooping header.

The game looked won for Brentford, but the visitors quickly grabbed a lifeline with a controversial goal from Derek Holmes.

The Bees were furious that the striker was not flagged offside from Neil Young's deep cross and was allowed to convert with a powerful header into the top corner.

But on 65 minutes it was Bournemouth's turn to react angrily as Young was shown a straight red card for taking out Hunt with a cynical foul.

Hunt had earlier appeared to dive in the area looking for a penalty and Young reacted rashly when the Brentford midfielder raced down the line from an uncontested drop-ball.

The home side strengthened their control with the man advantage, but they were left to hang on nervously as they failed to extend their lead with another goal.

Moss saved brilliantly from O'Connor, Rankin and Alex Rhodes, while Scott Fitzgerald crashed a shot against the woodwork and O'Connor somehow missed the target with a six-yard header.