Clayton Donaldson said the only way for Brentford to go was up after The Bees made it eight wins in nine Sky Bet League One games at the weekend.
The Bees beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 at Griffin Park on Saturday to climb to third in the table.
Jonathan Douglas scored the winner, heading home a Sam Saunders cross in stoppage time.
Brentford were the only team in the top five to win – Wolverhampton Wanderers lost while Leyton Orient and Preston North End conceded late equalisers to draw and Peterborough United needed one to pick up a point against Gillingham.
Brentford face Preston, who are one place behind them, next week and Clayton said that would be a test.
“The only way is up,” said the striker, speaking to Bees Player: Match Day Live after the match.
“Wolves lost today, Peterborough and Orient drew.
“They are dropping points and we are winning.
“There is a long way to go.
“Preston will be a good test for us, they haven’t lost too many.
“We will see how far we have come when we go there.
“It was a great win today; we can go there and take it to them.”
Clayton admitted it was a difficult game against Oldham.
He said the Greater Manchester side came to defend and hit The Bees on the break and there were some worrying moments.
But he always felt the goal would come, especially as Brentford have players to come off the substitute’s bench and make a difference.
“It was difficult,” he said.
“They came for a draw.
“They tried to hit on the counter-attack and there were a few scary moments.
“They were waiting for a mistake.
“We kept going, didn't have too many shots but kept threatening and I felt we deserved it.
“At 0-0 we knew we would get one eventually.
“There was still everything to play for.
“We always get stronger and I felt we would get the winner.
“We have players on the bench that can come on and make a difference.
“It is a squad game and players can come on and influence the game, that’s better for us in the long run.”
Sam Saunders came on after an hour and set up the winning goal.
He said he was delighted Brentford got the win and praised the way they never gave up.
He admitted he though Jonathan Douglas may have climbed on a defender when he rose to head in and was concerned the goal may have been ruled out.
“We have scored lots of late goals,” said Sam.
“We will keep pushing and pushing until the ref blows the final whistle.
“It’s a credit to the boys, they never give up.
“You get a bit of luck.
“I felt Dougie climbed a bit.
“They played for a draw from half time and I’m delighted we got the win.
“We felt we were below our best.
“It is hard when teams come and defend for 90 minutes.
“You can get impatient and leave yourself open.
“We were fortunate we didn’t get punished.
“It’s a credit to what we have done that it happens.
“The crowd stayed with us and we got our result in the end.”
Sam said he was delighted to get a chance to influence the game and just wanted to be involved.
He came on to play wide left but then moved in to midfield when Marcello Trotta and Farid El Alagui were introduced.
Sam said he would play anywhere provided he could get on the ball and have an impact.
“I always want to play,” said Sam.
“Every footballer does.
“I was delighted to get a chance to play half an hour and help the boys get the result.
“Dougie rose at the back stick and got three points for us.
“I was enjoying being involved in the game.
“I played wide and in the centre as one of the three.
“It was enjoyable to get on the ball.
“For the goal, I wanted to get wide and give an opportunity for a cross.
“I delivered it and Dougie headed it in.
“I’m delighted.”
The Oldham win came at the end of a week of change.
Hours before an FA Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie at Carlisle United last Saturday, December 7, Uwe Rösler left his position as Brentford Manager to take up the same role at Wigan Athletic.
Mark Warburton, formerly Sporting Director, was named as Brentford boss a few days later.
Sam said Mark had not changed much and it had been an enjoyable week under the new boss.
“It’s been a good week,” he said.
“Training was tough, we have done lots of small sided games, crossing and finishing.
“It has been bright and bubbly and the boys have been good.
“It has been a good week considering.
“It is hard to come in when the boys are used to a set routine.
“Mark has come in and done well.
“There is a not a lot wrong, he hasn’t changed a lot, just put an emphasis on what he wants.
“It has been a decent week, considering the circumstances.”
Clayton added: “The new manager has come in but hasn’t changed much.
“He was already connected with the Club.
“We carried on as usual and got the late goal again.
“That has happened often, which is good.
“We keep going to the final whistle.
“It wasn’t strange with Mark in charge.
“He was always in the changing room when Uwe was here.
“It was our first team talk from a different manager.
“He talked about our quality and wanted us to show it.
“I think we did.”
Sam said the Oldham win was the first in a five game run the players are looking at.
The Bees play four games in 11 days in a busy Christmas period – away matches against Preston and fifth-placed Peterborough sandwiching home games against Play-Off chasers Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons.
“We have set ourselves a five game target, said Sam.
“We will see where we are after that.
“We are on a good run and want it to continue.
“I feel we have the quality to finish in the top two.”
The best bits from Saturday’s Bees Player: Match Day Live will be available soon.