Brentford 4 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 After producing one of their worst performances in recent times 48 hours previously, Brentford produced one of their best performances to dismiss promotion rivals Brighton 4-0 at Griffin Park and bounce back into play-off contention, writes Paul Fitzsimons.

In response to recent displays, manager Steve Coppell once again rung the changes with Mark McCammon, Kevin O'Connor, Eddie Hutchinson and goalkeeper Olafur Gottskalksson making way for Lloyd Owusu, Gavin Mahon, Paul Evans and rookie goalkeeper Paul Smith, making his first start of the season.

From the opening whistle it soon became clear that this was a Brentford side that were not to be denied. Brighton's tactic of trying to stifle the home side with five men in midfield, failed to pay off as time and time again the Bees created chances. In the 22nd minute Brentford took the lead following a series of corners. Eventually one of these corners was cleared to Stephen Hunt who raced to the by-line and whipped over a cross which Ivar Ingimarsson headed powerfully past on loan Seagulls keeper Simon Royce to put the Bees one goal up.

The Bees continued to press home their advantage and extended their lead 13 minutes later. Michael Dobson broke down the wing and swept over a low cross which Ben Burgess prodded home past the despairing Royce. The away contingent of 2,000 fans were silenced as the Bees fans celebrated, their emotions a combination of delight and relief.

The Bees started the second half as they had left off in the first, not letting the Seagulls have any time to settle on the ball and winning the 50/50 challenges. Owusu headed just wide at the near post on 50 minutes and Sidwell shot just wide, before the killer third goal arrived after 58 minutes. Evans tenaciously won the ball in midfield and played it into Burgess who controlled on his thigh, swivelled and delivered a looping volley which sailed over Royce into the back of the net.

Any lingering hopes the Seagulls might have had of salvaging something from this game were soon ended as the Bees notched their fourth. Ijah Anderson received the ball on the left wing and sent in a low cross which was dummied by Burgess to leave the oncoming Sidwell to sweep the ball into the net. Youngster Jay Tabb was then introduced into the action late on for the first time this season in the place of Man of the Match Burgess.

This was a fine display to put the Bees back in the play-off picture and one that would have troubled any team in the division.

Brentford: Smith, Dobson, Anderson, Powell, Ingimarsson, Hunt, Evans (c), Mahon, Sidwell, Owusu, Burgess (Tabb 81).