Brentford 3 Accrington Stanley 1

Last updated : 16 February 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Brentford's belated play-off bid was given another push in the right direction after goals from Glenn Poole, Matt Heywood and Alan Connell helped Andy Scott's side gain a 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley at Griffin Park.

The hosts started in confident fashion and could have been ahead as early as the second minute were it not for the hesitancy of striker Nathan Elder, who allowed Aswad Thomas the opportunity to scamper back and make a goal saving tackle.

Connell was proving a menacing presence through the middle, but it was Accrington who came closest to breaking the deadlock after 15 minutes.

Poole was robbed near the right touchline by Ian Craney and his cross was chested neatly back to Andrew Todd, who crashed a rising half-volley against the face of the crossbar.

Brentford were denied by the post five minutes later when Ryan Dickson's expertly flighted 25-yard free-kick cannoned against the post and fell to safety.

The goal that had been coming duly arrived in the 34th minute when Ricky Shakes broke free on the right and his cross was met at the near post by the in-form Poole, who prodded home his 11th goal of an increasingly productive season.

The lead lasted barely five minutes, however, when Craney converted from close range after Shaun Whalley had beaten the offside trap and rounded Craig Pead.

Parity was equally short-lived when Rob Milsom's corner was flicked on at the near post and Heywood's header crept past Accrington goalkeeper Kenny Arthur three minutes before the break.

Accrington went close to equalising five minutes into the second half when the aerial power of Paul Mullin set Whalley free and his ambitious right-footed effort clipped the outside of the post.

As the visitors pushed for an equaliser, Brentford looked to exploit the gaps at the back and increased their advantage in the 63rd minute.

The excellent Connell was rewarded for an superb all-round performance with the clinching goal when he broke the offside trap and coolly slotted home.