Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said his team’s win over Tranmere Rovers last night resembled their win over Bradford City three days earlier.
The Bees beat Bradford 2-0 on Saturday with second half goals from Clayton Donaldson and George Saville.
On that occasion Mark hailed his team’s second half performance, and said they were a little too deep in the first half, playing with more tempo after the break and making the most of the way they wore their visitors down.
The win against Tranmere was again secured with two second half goals.
James Tarkowski headed in just past the hour mark and Clayton Donaldson made it safe soon after.
Mark said again his team could have been higher up the pitch in the first half but he was pleased with the way they played after the break.
Brentford had more chances against Tranmere than in their previous win but Tranmere hit the crossbar twice in the first half and offered more of a threat.
However, once Brentford got their noses in front, there was only one winner.
“We came out of the blocks very quickly and could have had a couple of goals early on,” said Mark.
“In truth, we could have put the game to bed, but we get to half time and they have hit the bar twice.
“We have given chances.
“We were OK in patches in the first half but I thought it was similar to Saturday, we could have penetrated more and got higher up the pitch and been more clinical.
“In the second half we had good energy, desire and tempo.
“We moved the ball well, got it down and once we got the first goal we looked dangerous.
“I was pleased with the second half performance.”
Brentford could have been in front early on but Tranmere almost took the lead when Ryan Lowe got on to a weak back header from James Tarkowski – the striker was, however, denied by David Button.
Mark praised his goalkeeper and said there were other good performances on the night.
James Tarkowski’s key moment was at the other end when he rose to nod home a Jake Bidwell free kick for the first goal
The second came when Adam Forshaw and Jonathan Douglas combined with Marcello Trotta to set Alan Judge away; his cross was headed home from close range by Clayton Donaldson.
“David Button has been outstanding for us,” said Mark.
“And, as I have said in the past, he is being pushed hard every day in training by Richard Lee.
“That is great and has been fantastic for David.
“David’s distribution is great, both sides, short and long.
“James Tarkowski made a mistake for that chance but he will learn from that and he has been very good.
“He attacks the ball well in both boxes and I am pleased he got a goal today.
“There were good performances – Jonathan Douglas in midfield was first class – and all around the park there was good effort and quality.
“Will Grigg has worked hard for us, I have been delighted with his contribution in the past few games.”
Brentford started with a diamond midfield system, Alan Judge playing behind Clayton Donaldson and Will Grigg.
Mark said Brentford preferred that system and it has helped them to wear the opposition down.
The Bees have then been able to take advantage of the game opening out after half time.
“We prefer the diamond system,” said Mark.
“It allows our full backs to go forward.
“It allows Will Grigg to start with Clayton or Marcello Trotta.
“Although it has been 0-0 at half time, we have worn the opposition down and in the second half we have exploited that.
“We move the ball well.
“You rest when you have the ball.
“When we keep it and are purposeful, it is hard for the opponents.
“As the game stretches there is more space and more opportunity.
“It is our job to exploit that.”
Charlie Adams came on as a substitute to play his second Football League game, and his first at Griffin Park.
Mark said he had benefited from a loan spell at Barnet and there was real competition for places in the team.
He added Toumani Diagouraga was likely to stay at Portsmouth to ensure he was match sharp but Brentford could recall him at any point after the first 28 days of the loan, which is reached on Monday, March 17.
“We send players out on loan so they can play,” said Mark.
“He has gone out, done really well at Barnet and is back with us.
“Toumani is with Portsmouth and doing well.
“I want him to stay there and get match fit.
“We have a lot of games coming up.
“I am delighted for Charlie, there is more to come from him.
“Others like Nico Yennaris and Stuart Dallas are working hard every day for a chance and are taking it when it comes.
“It is great to have competition for places.”
Brentford remain third in Sky Bet League One after the win.
They are three points behind leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers and one behind Leyton Orient, who are second.
The Bees face Orient away from home on Saturday.
The match will be televised live on Sky Sports at 12.15pm and more than 2,500 Brentford fans are making the trip.
“It is a fantastic game,” said Mark.
“But, it is just three points.
“Our focus in now totally Leyton Orient.
“The supporters have backed us magnificently.
“We have an early kick-off, live on TV and there are more than 2,500 going.
“We will go there and show what we can do.
“Orient are an exciting team and are tough to beat.
“They are up there for a reason, they have been consistent.
“We are looking forward to it.
“Everyone is fit and well at the moment.”
Bees Player subscribers can see full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton here.