Brentford brushed aside by Derby

Derby 2 Brentford 0

Brentford’s miserable start continued as they suffered a sixth defeat in 10 Championship fixtures.

First-half goals from Chris Martin and Tom Ince earned Derby a comfortable win against a side shorn of confidence.

The Bees had not kept a clean sheet this season prior to the match and hopes of ending that run seemed slim as Derby dominated possession in the early stages. 

Cyrus Christie had a shot saved by David Button after a decent run early on and an Ince free-kick almost led to a goal.

The hosts, who move up to seventh following their first home win of the season, deservedly led when Martin netted with a close-range strike from Christie’s cross.

Brentford barely threatened, with a blocked Akaki Gogia effort and a tame Alan Judge strike as close as they came before the Rams doubled their lead before the break.

An incisive counter-attack led to Jeff Hendrick finding Ince who finished coolly past Button from 15 yards.

The Bees, who slip to 20th, continued to struggle after the interval with a half-chance for substitute Philipp Hofmann, that was scrambled off the line, as good as it got.

Ince and Bradley Johnson could have added to Brentford’s misery but were denied by Button.

Midweek loan signing from Chelsea John Swift came on for his debut with 20 minutes left but was unable to help inspire an unlikely comeback.

Brentford (4-4-2): Button; Yennaris, Dean, Tarkowski, Bidwell; Diagouraga [Swift 70], Gogia [Canos 45], Woods, Judge; Vibe [Hofmann 63], Djuricin.
Subs not used: Bonham, Kerschbaumer, O’Connell, Barbet.