Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Bristol City and Brentford at Ashton Gate as Ivan Toney broke the Championship record with his 31st of the season in victory on Saturday.
Saturday 8 May 2021 18:15, UK
Ivan Toney's 31st goal of the season - a Championship record - set Brentford on course for a convincing 3-1 Championship win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
The prolific striker pounced on a loose ball eight yards out to touch it past City goalkeeper Dan Bentley and tap into an empty net after 57 minutes.
Substitute Bryan Mbeumo made it 2-0 when he capped a slick move by firing into the roof of the net after 78 minutes and Sergi Canos added a third when he shot home at the far post five minutes later.
City substitute Louis Britton marked his debut by netting with a low drive three minutes from time, but it was no more than a consolation for his outplayed team.
Home boss Nigel Pearson made five changes from the team thrashed 4-1 at Millwall, among them a first start for 17-year-old Academy product Alex Scott in midfield.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank brought in Ethan Pinnock and Vitaly Janelt, naming a strong side, although his team were already guaranteed a third-placed finish and involvement in the play-offs.
The visitors created the first clear chance after 14 minutes. Marcus Forss broke onto a through ball and fired inches wide with his right foot from the corner of the box.
There were bookings for City's Kasey Palmer and Brentford's Toney as a game with little at stake for either side became physical.
Forss again went close from distance before the Bees had a strong penalty shout rejected for a push on Toney.
City midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson gave the ball away in a dangerous position and the Brentford striker went tumbling inside the box, but referee James Linington was not impressed and awarded City a free-kick.
Nahki Wells had the home side's best chance just before the break, but saw his close-range shot blocked following a penetrating run by Palmer.
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya then made an outstanding fingertip save from Wells, but the offside flag was already up.
Frank was forced into a change for the start of the second half, sending on Mads Bech Sorensen for Pinnock.
Toney fired into the side-netting in the 51st minute as Brentford continued to look the more threatening side.
Pearson responded with a change to his back-line with Zak Vyner replacing Adrian Mariappa, but it was not enough to prevent Brentford taking the lead soon after.
Toney's opener came after the ball had ricocheted around in City's box without any defender able to clear.
Tommy Conway forced a save from Raya with a fierce drive from an acute angle as the Robins looked to respond, but Brentford countered and Nathan Baker was booked for cynically halting the break.
Both managers made further changes, Frank taking off Toney, no doubt with the play-offs in mind.
Still the visitors dominated and Bentley was at full-stretch to palm away a Christian Norgaard volley before the two late goals confirmed Brentford's total command.
Bristol City's Nigel Pearson: "It has been a season of two contrasting halves for the club because it began with promise, but we have had too many injuries and fitness is something we need to address. We have had to rely too much on young players and, while we have some very bright prospects, it is important we don't demand too much of them too soon.
"I have spoken to many of the players about their futures and the rest I will be meeting over the next few days. We will then issue a list of who is staying and which ones will be leaving. Today was another reality check and an indication of how much hard work lies ahead.
"I have to create a squad capable of meeting the challenges the Championship sets. At the moment we are not meeting those challenges and a lot of our talented youngsters are being exposed without the necessary experience alongside them. We will use pre-season to get the players we already have fitter and more robust, as well as bringing in new faces. There will also be new support staff brought in and it is going to be a very busy summer."
Brentford's Thomas Frank: "It was always the plan to replace Ivan when we did and he knew that before the game. I'm so delighted that he did break the record because he is humble with his talent and deserves all the success he gets.
"I named a strong side because I wanted to take the momentum of our good run into the play-offs. We did not pick up any injuries. Ethan Pinnock only played the first half because of a minor problem he was carrying, but he is fine. Whatever happens from now on, it has been another outstanding season for the players.
"Our points tally would normally be enough for automatic promotion and we have again scored the most goals in the Championship. We will have a few beers tonight and then they will have three days off before preparing for what I am sure will be a tight tie of fine margins with Bournemouth. I have a good feeling about the play-offs, but the same was true last season. When you reach this stage the lines between success and failure are so slim. One mistake or a single decision going against you can make the difference."
