Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton has begun his tenure with a morale-boosting win, securing only the second victory for the Seagulls in eight visits to the Championship high-flyers.
Two late goals from Lewis Dunk on 88 minutes, and substitute Chris O’Grady in injury time sealed it for the strugglers from the same division – and will leave Brentford boss Mark Warburton ruing his side's first-half missed chances.
Brentford 0-2 Brighton
FA Cup Third Round
Griffin Park
Saturday 3 January 2015
Winners receive £67,500
Hughton is not known for his half-time hairdryers or rants, but whatever his words at the break, his team responded brilliantly.
The first half was dominated by Brentford’s mobile and energetic midfield, with their best chance coming in just the second minute.
Jota's shot on the right hand side of the penalty area was stopped by an excellent reaction save from Brighton keeper David Stockdale, and Andre Gray’s follow-up flashed across the face of the goal.
Jon Toral followed that up 17 minutes later with a right-footed drive from the centre of the area, saved point-blank again by Stockdale.
Brighton, switching between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation, were happy to sit deep and soak up Brentford pressure.
Most of Brentford bustle was in midfield with fine play leading up to the box and plenty of long range attempts, but little of quality to trouble Stockdale.
Brighton came out for the second half far more interested in making a match of it, committing men on the break but also leaving space in behind for Brentford to exploit.
Solly March looked threatening for the Seagulls, forcing Jack Bonham to make a great save down low on 52 minutes.
Brentford replied with a Jake Bidwell header, saved well by Stockdale, then Brighton’s Dally Holla fired a left-footed shot against the post.
With Brighton’s fans increasing in volume, their side made the breakthrough.
March’s free kick far on the right hand side was met by centre-back Dunk, whose glancing header flew past Bonham.
Then just six minutes later substitutes O’Grady and Greg Halford combined for the former to finish with ease.
Goals: Lewis Dunk, 88, Chris O’Grady 90
Referee: David Coote
Attendance: 8,542
Watch highlights of this Third Round tie at Griffin Park
