Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he was delighted with his team’s win over Bristol City last night.
The Bees made it 17 Sky Bet League One games unbeaten, and picked up their 15th win in the time, with a 3-1 victory.
They went ahead when Aden Flint turned a Jake Bidwell cross past his own goalkeeper but City hit back and former Brentford defender Karleigh Osborne lashed home an equaliser.
The visitors arguably had the better of the first quarter, although Mark said he always felt The Bees were in control.
They could not get in front, however, and Alan Judge restored Brentford’s lead.
The Bees went through the gears in the last 20 minutes of the first half, Marcello Trotta scored a third and there could have been one or two more.
They maintained their domination in to the second period but couldn’t add to their lead.
Mark said the win was a good result and praised his players for their energy and tempo.
“In the first ten to 15 minutes we were too deep,” said Mark, speaking after the match.
“The game was a bit open.
“Some of the football we played in the last 20 to 25 minutes of the first half was very good.
“We looked dangerous and creative; we had good energy and good tempo.
“I was really pleased with the first half.
“We were well worth 3-1 in the first half.
“It could have been more.
“We went looking for more in the second half; we kept moving the ball when we could easily have sat back.
“I’m delighted with that tonight.
“Bristol City are a good team, that was a good result.”
City started with three central defenders and defenders as wing backs but pushed high up the field.
When Brentford took control they were pushed back in to a five-man defensive unit.
Mark said he expected City’s game plan and Brentford largely dealt with it, so much so that goalkeeper David Button did not have a save to make.
“They played 3-5-2 but you can make that 5-3-2 if you do it right,” said Mark.
“We did it right 95 per cent of the time.
“Our full backs pushed on and they went long, that was down to the work we did.
“We won the ball in key areas.
“We never felt we were out of control.
“We thought they would be physical on the right.
“I thought we dealt with it well.
“Karleigh Osborne scored a great goal, credit to him, I’m sure he enjoyed it.
“I don’t think David Button had another save to make.”
Mark said he was delighted for Alan Judge, who got his first Brentford goal.
He also praised substitutes Jake Reeves, Will Grigg and Chuba Akpom for the energy they brought to the game.
“The boys know if they shift the ball quickly they will be in good shape,” said the Brentford Manager.
“We don’t worry about the opposition.
“We want to do what we do well.
“The subs came on and were lively too.
“They had good energy and got on the ball.
“I am delighted for Alan Judge.
“In the last 20 minutes of the first half we linked well and were really creative.
“We had a lot of chances.”
The match was played on a pitch described by Mark as “very wet”.
He said the energy his players had was testament to the work they had done in pre-season to build fitness and since.
He praised the Club’s medical and conditioning teams for their work in keeping the players match ready.
“The pitch is very, very wet.
“The energy the boys showed on that surface was testament to the work they have done.
“Our fitness levels are outstanding.
“That came from hard work in pre-season and has been maintained.
“The medical and conditioning teams are working now.
“The players have to be managed, and it is individual programmes for each player.”
Mark said Harlee Dean and Adam Forshaw were back in training after injury and Sam Saunders was not far behind.
He said it was possible one or two of them would be involved on Saturday, when The Bees face Shrewsbury Town.
He added it would give him some nice selection problems.
“Harlee and Adam are training with us,” said Mark.
“They worked today with the medical team and looked good.
“Sam is a few days behind them.
“I am sure a couple will be involved at the weekend.
“I will have some nice problems.
“The players have to buy in to the idea it is a squad game.
“We won’t do anything with 11 or 14 players.”
The game at Shrewsbury is Mark’s tenth in charge and marks the end of a second five-game run he had targeted,
The Bees have taken ten points from 12 so far and Mark said there would be a reward for the players if they reach a private points target.
“Our only focus is the next game,” said Mark.
“We have tonight’s result so we look to Shrewsbury.
“All we worry about is our performance against the next opponent.
“Saturday is the end of our next batch of games.
“If we hit our target the players will have Sunday and Monday off.
“They work hard and deserve their rewards.”
Bees Player subscribers can see full match reaction from Mark Warburton here.