Boss Smith savours Bees victory

Brentford boss Dean Smith savoured the 4-1 victory against Reading – and dismissed suggestions he might need to manage the fans’ expectations.

The Bees, who recently thrashed Preston 5-0 at Griffin Park, are fourth in the Championship table after another thumping home win.

Asked about the excitement among Brentford supporters, Smith declared: “Let them get excited – I’m excited!

“We just want to go and win the next game. I believe when you have momentum you ride with it.”

Josh Clarke and Maxime Colin scored their first goals for Brentford, while forwards Scott Hogan and Lasse Vibe also got their names on the scoresheet.

It was Hogan’s seventh goal of the season and his 14th of 2016.

Brentford were resounding winners but Reading hit the woodwork twice and always looked a threat.

Smith, who made five changes for the game, said: “It was a great result because I believe Reading are a really good team. The goals we scored were outstanding.

“I felt we needed to freshen things up and I thought we brought energy, enthusiasm and legs into the team.

“The way Reading play is very expansive and we needed legs in the team. We had to be at our best.

“We scored the goals but you can’t do that without being solid and having a good defensive shape.

“The goals were fantastic, but I know we can do that because we’ve got quality players. It was the discipline we showed that really pleased me.”