Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he was proud of his players after watching them win their fifth game in five since he took charge.
Mark took over as Brentford boss last month and recorded wins over Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons before the end of 2013.
They started 2014 in the best possible way with a 3-1 win over Peterborough United, who are fifth in Sky Bet League One.
The Bees are three points clear at the top of the table and have now won 12 of their last 13 matches in the league, taking 37 points from a possible 39.
When Mark took over he set his team a target from their first five games and, speaking after the Peterborough win, he admitted he did not expect five wins although he did expect a good tally of points.
“If anyone had looked at this run of five games they would have said it was tough,” said Mark.
“Oldham, then Preston, Swindon, MK Dons and now Peterborough.
“There are some very tough teams.
“It is testament to the character and ability of players that we have won them all.
“I am very, very proud of them.
“We didn’t target 15 points but we also did not expect to lose a game.
“We are not arrogant but our players shouldn’t fear any team in the league.
“To get 15 points is a tremendous achievement.”
Brentford went ahead in the first half when Sam Saunders was brought down and Adam Forshaw smashed home the penalty.
Peterborough equalised when a long range effort from Jack Payne dipped wickedly in a fierce wind, cannoned off the underneath of the crossbar and in to the net.
But Brentford hit back almost immediately, Sam Saunders curling in his fourth goal in four games from 25 yards.
In driving wind and intermittent rain on a pitch that started heavy and got worse, Mark, speaking after the match, said Brentford dominated the first half and should have been further than 2-1 ahead.
“There was a great response from the players after their goal,” said the Brentford boss.
“Sam scored again; it has been a great Christmas period for him.
“We dominated the first half and I felt we conceded the goal against the run of play.
“The players weren’t disheartened.
“We got the ball back, moved it forward and scored again.
“At half time we were comfortable.
“We should have taken more chances but credit to the players for creating them in those conditions.”
Mark hailed Brentford for their discipline after half time.
He said Peterborough tried to draw them in to a scrap and his team didn’t let them.
The Bees could have gone two clear when Clayton Donaldson was fouled but Adam Forshaw’s second penalty was saved low.
They eventually sealed the win when Clayton Donaldson tapped home from close range after good work on the left by Stuart Dallas.
“At half time we felt Peterborough would be looking for more of a scrap in the second half,” said Mark.
“We had to avoid that.
“We kept our discipline well.
“Our discipline and concentration were key today.
“Plus, we had to keep the ball well in difficult conditions.
“I was very, very pleased with the second half performance.
“We look to move the ball simple, early and quick.
“It was difficult today; the middle of the pitch was heavy.
“We used the flanks.
“We had natural width with Clayton and I felt we maximised that, particularly in the first half.
“I was really pleased with our football.
“If there was one criticism it is that we should have scored more goals earlier in the game.
“We could have had a better end product.”
Brentford were without George Saville, suspended, as well as Will Grigg and Kadeem Harris, who were injured.
Jonathan Douglas had to come off in the first half but Mark said it was precautionary.
Toumani Diagouraga came on in midfield and Mark praised him and Jake Reeves, who started the match.
He stressed again how important the use of the squad would be for the rest of the season.
“Jonathan Douglas had cramp in his hamstring,” said Mark.
“We have to look after the players so we took him off as a precaution.
“Hats off to Toumani, it was a difficult game to come in to.
“You won’t win promotion or achieve any sort of success with 11 or 14 players.
“There was a great performance from Jake Reeves.
“Shaleum Logan went in to right back and Alan McCormack drove us forward in midfield.
“The substitutes made a difference.
“The players that come in are fit, that’s credit to the conditioning staff and medical staff to get them through this programme.”
More than 1,000 Brentford fans made the trip to London Road and Mark had words of praise for them.
“The supporters were magnificent, there was a great noise from them,” he said.
“We missed a penalty but they immediately shouted in support of the team.
“It has a massive impact on the players on the pitch.”
Brentford’s next match is on January 11 when Port Vale visit Griffin Park.
Mark said his players needed the break.
“We had a choice of a game on January 4, I am glad we didn’t take it,” he said.
“The players have a break, they deserve that.
“They can go away for three or four days, have a rest, come back for training ahead of the Port Vale game.”
The Transfer Window is now open and Mark said there would be movement.
Loan deals for Kadeem Harris, Ben Nugent, George Saville and Marcello Trotta all expire in the next few days and Mark said more players may arrive as well as some of those deals being extended.
But he was clear that players had to add to the squad.
“It is early days,” he said.
“We have a few loans that are up.
“We have two or three lined up, maybe four.
“Any players that come in have to add value on and off the pitch.
“We have a good harmony in the dressing room, a great spirit, that can’t be spoilt.
Bees Player subscribers can see full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton here.