Donaldson’s goal enough for Brentford

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Brentford 1 Walsall 0

Clayton Donaldson’s first goal of the season maintained Brentford’s impressive start to the campaign.

Last season’s top goalscorer glanced home Shaleum Logan’s cross to fire the Bees ahead just before half-time.

Adam Forshaw hit the Walsall bar in the opening half and Everton loanee Conor McAleny had to be stretchered off early in the game.

Striker Will Grigg, who signed for Brentford from Walsall this summer with compensation yet to be agreed between the two clubs, did not feature against his former side because of injury.

Scott Barron replaced Jake Bidwell, who also faces a lengthy spell out with an ankle problem.

There was some concern over McAleny, who was clearly in distress when he was withdrawn in the ninth minute following a crunching tackle from Adam Chambers.

He was replaced by Farid El Alagui, who made his fourth substitute appearance of the season so far.

Forshaw rattled the woodwork with a fierce effort from distance before Donaldson met Logan’s cross to open the scoring.

Donaldson and El Alagui both went close in the second half, with El Alagui’s effort cleared off the line by Andy Butler after he had rounded Walsall keeper Richard O’Donnell

O’Donnell also made a fine save to deny Forshaw late on.

Brentford (4-3-3): Bonham; Logan, Craig, Dean, Barron; Forshaw, McCormach, Saville; Fillo (Reeves 74), Donaldson, McAleny (El Alagui 9 (Saunders 67))
Subs not used: Bonham, O’Connor, Venta, Diagouraga.

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