Dallas’ strike gives Brentford victory

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Brentford 1 Rotherham 0

Stuart Dallas’ stylish second-half volley earned Brentford a first league win in four games.

The winger, making only his sixth league start of the season, lashed home the winner from the edge of the box on 57 minutes.

Brentford were fortunate to reach half-time without conceding after Rotherham missed a string of good chances, while Andre Gray had a goal ruled out for offside for the Bees.

But the hosts improved considerably in the second half and Alex Pritchard hit the post late on as they finished the game on a high.

Brentford’s poor start was unsurprising following three straight defeats in all competitions, and the away side should have led as early as the second minute when debutant Jack Barmby shot straight at David Button.

The Bees keeper, who returned to the side as one of four changes alongside Dallas, Pritchard and skipper Jonathan Douglas, also stopped Matt Derbyshire from firing Rotherham ahead in the first half.

And James Tarkowski’s last-ditch tackle was needed to stop Derbyshire again before half-time, after Harlee Dean’s misplaced pass – one of many times Brentford gave away possession cheaply.

Brentford’s  second-half improvement got its reward when Dallas’ skilful finish from distance found the corner via the hand of keeper Adam Collin.

And the Bees should have had a second when Gray and Jota missed glorious chances in succession, the first blocked by Collin from Gray before Jota sent the second over the bar.

Tottenham loanee Pritchard, who had a bright game, hit the upright with low shot from the edge of the area with 20 minutes left and a late effort from Douglas was blocked before the line.

Button made another excellent save towards the end to stop Paul Green’s header that was destined for the far corner.

Brentford (4-3-2-1): Button; Odubajo, Dean, Tarkowski, Bidwell; Douglas, Diagouraga; Jota (Toral 74), Pritchard, Dallas; Gray (Smith 70).
Subs not used: Bonham, Craig, Saunders, Tébar, Yennaris.

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