Trotta’s goal gives Bees another victory

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Brentford 3 Swindon 2

Marcello Trotta’s 71st-minute winner earned Brentford a third straight victory under new manager Mark Warburton.

The on-loan Fulham striker skilfully flicked home Jonathan Douglas’ cross after the Bees had twice come from behind to equalise.

Swindon’s on-loan Tottenham youngsters Ryan Mason and Alex Pritchard combined for Mason to score an excellent opener before Peterborough loanee Nicky Ajose put them 2-1 up just after the break.

Sam Saunders had equalised with a curling free-kick just before half-time and Clayton Donaldson made it 2-2 when he headed in Alan McCormack’s cross.

The win moved Brentford to the top of League One ahead of the other Boxing Day fixtures and they had to dig deep to beat another promotion rival.

Swindon’s Spurs youngsters Pritchard, Mason and Grant Hall caused Brentford problems and Pritchard brilliantly set up Mason on 10 minutes.

But equally as brilliant was the equaliser from Saunders, who replaced George Saville in midfield, which he struck sweetly from 25 yards into the far corner.

The Bees suffered a blow, however, when forward Will Grigg was forced off just before the interval and headed straight down the tunnel.

Ajose pounced a Pritchard shot from distance that deflected off a defender, but Brentford were level two minutes later when Donaldson headed in unmarked.

And Trotta out-muscled his marker to turn in the winner with an outstretched leg.

Brentford (4-3-3): Button; McCormack, Dean, Craig, Bidwell; Forshaw, Douglas, Saunders (Reeves 78); Donaldson, Trotta (El Alagui 90+4), Grigg (Dallas 40).
Subs not used: Lee, Logan, O’Connor, Diagouraga,

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