Cardiff City 3 Brentford 2
Brentford’s five-match unbeaten run was ended by an injury-time winner from Kenwyne Jones after the Bees had battled back from two goals down.
Cardiff scored twice in the first half through Tony Watt and Jones as the Bees put in a sluggish display.
But Brentford were much improved after the introduction of Jota and debutant Josh McEachran, and following skipper Jake Bidwell’s first goal for the club, John Swift netted an 86th minute equaliser.
However, Cardiff stole the points in the third minute of stoppage time, Jones converting from a Fabio cross.
It was cruel on Brentford who seemed to have the momentum with them after Swift scored, but they will regret their flat start to the game.
Former Celtic striker Watt scored the opener on 20 minutes, pouncing on Craig Noone’s deflected shot, and Cardiff doubled their lead as Jones netted at the second attempt after Bees keeper David Button had failed to hold his initial effort.
A superb save from Button early in the second half prevented Watt from making it 3-0 and the changes – including a long-awaited first run-out for summer signing McEachran – proved pivotal in Brentford’s revival.
They reduced the deficit on 69 minutes as Judge’s corner was met by Bidwell (pictured), the skipper scoring on his 186th appearance for the club.
And Chelsea loanee Swift appeared to have earned the Bees a draw when he turned home after Alan Judge’s shot was saved.
Cardiff fans derided their team, who had now let 2-0 leads slip for three home leagues in succession, but they were on their feet again as Jones won it late on.
Brentford: Button; Yennaris, O’Connell, Tarkowski, Button; Diagouraga (Jota 62), Kerschbaumer (McEachran 62); Woods, Judge, Swift; Vibe (Hofmann 78).
Subs not used: Bonham, Colin, Dean, Saunders.
This post was last modified on 19/12/2015