Brentford 2-4 Preston North End: Lilywhites fights to stun Bees

Scott Sinclair’s quick double inspired a sensational counterattack from Preston in the second half to sink Brentford.

But Sinclair hit twice after the break to even out, knocking home on Patrick Bauer’s takedown before turning Andrew Hughes’s low center into the near post.

Brad Potts completed the 11-minute course change, firing a shot inside the left post before Sean Maguire added a quarter, turning to finish after Ben Davies headed into Ryan Ledson’s corner.

It was the first victory of the season in the league for Preston, who tied the Bees on points after four games.

Thomas Frank’s home team, buoyed by their Carabao Cup win over West London rival Fulham, their third Premier League scalp on their way to the quarter-finals, soon got underway in a first half open.

Dasilva was a particular threat down the left and having set up Toney’s first goal, she tested Rudd with an effort from the edge of the box, before Mbeumo shot over when he was well placed.

Alex Neil’s men, who have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, responded well, with Alan Browne forcing Luke Daniels to save his fiercely struck volley, only for Toney to land a hit before the break.

The Lilywhites had found the net only three times in their first six games, but surprised the Bees with four goals in 18 minutes of the second half.

Said Benrahma, who has yet to start in the league this season for the Bees amid speculation about his future, came off the bench and nearly revived hope at home by launching a quick counter, but Dasilva shot inches wide.

The visitors held out comfortably for just a second win in their last 15 visits to Brentford.

Thomas Frank, boss of Brentford:

“In the second half I went back to the horror show of my time when I came here and the goals were flying left, right and center, so I am 100% that this is going to be unique.

“We were not complacent. I did not see a team that was not working hard, but all the goals were avoidable and that is why I am calm because we will do well. Sometimes things happen that you simply cannot” explain.

“His goals came out of nowhere when we were so good defensively until halftime. We’ll sit down and watch the video, but sometimes it’s the smallest details that can cost you.”

Preston manager Alex Neil told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“At halftime sometimes you need to repair something in terms of how you are pressing the ball, how you are jumping or where you are trying to find the replacement player, but I didn’t need to repair anything, I just needed to do better.

“The guys gave everything they had, they showed real bravery in the second half and I thought it was worth the win.

“I think this is the first time, certainly for us, that we have been here and had more possession than Brentford and to be honest we took the game to them and we were better.”