Button’s mistake hands Boro victory

Brentford 0 Middlesbrough 1

David Button’s error gifted the Championship leaders victory at Griffin Park.

Brentford keeper Button came for a corner just after the hour mark but succeeded only in punching the ball towards his own net.

Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala added the finishing touch and the goal was enough to condemn the Bees to only their third defeat in 11 league matches.

Button had earlier produced a good save to deny David Nugent after Brentford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga’s attempted pass to James Tarkowski presented the Boro striker with a chance.

But the home side were on top for much of the game without being able to find a way past keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, who produced two good saves from Alan Judge.

Konstantopoulos also denied Maxime Colin and John Swift on a frustrating night for Dean Smith’s side.

On a brighter note, Sam Saunders started his first match for two years.

Brentford’s popular but injury-plagued midfielder played 63 minutes before being replaced by Sergi Canos.