Saturday 10 December 2016 21:10, UK
Burton manager Nigel Clough applauded the high-quality finishing of Brentford's Scott Hogan after the Brewers' 2-1 defeat at Griffin Park.
Clough, a prolific scorer at Nottingham Forest, could only admire the two-goal performance from Hogan.
Jamie Ward scored for Burton who went into the break level at 1-1, but it was Brentford celebrating come the final whistle as the Bees halted a four-game losing streak.
Hogan met passes from Romaine Sawyers and Josh McEachran to fire home his goals.
Clough said of Hogan's strikes: "They were two great finishes and to be honest that was the difference between the two sides. That is what can make or break you at this level.
"This is very much an opportunity missed because of Brentford's recent run. When we got a goal back they were a little nervy, but we didn't capitalise on it.
"We had two or three opportunities but as usual we didn't finish them off. They have a very good goalscorer in Hogan. He had a few chances and took two - that's the difference."
Clough added: "Brentford played better today and I've got few complaints, but I do feel we suffered by being unable, once again, to get a settled back three or four out."
Brentford boss Dean Smith was delighted with the win - his side's first at home since the end of September - and his side's mental resilience after a clear-the-air dressing-room discussion following last weekend's 5-0 thumping at Norwich.
"To be honest the pressure has built up from elsewhere," Smith said. "There's been none in our ranks because we can only control what we do and we don't get too low when we lose or too high when we win.
"Everyone has worked really hard this week and they were all determined to put things right after last week. I think it was a fair result because apart from one or two efforts I can't remember them troubling us too much."
But Smith was critical of referee David Coote, who dished out nine yellow cards and ruled out a third Hogan strike that would have handed him his hat-trick.
The striker got the better of defender Ben Turner in a chase and ran on to hit the back of the net, only for the official to rule it out to the surprise of the crowd.
"I can't say too much but one of the loudest cheers of the day was when he gave us a free-kick late on," Smith said. "The Burton players were officiating the game themselves at one point and I have no idea what Scott's goal was disallowed for.
"He won the challenge fair and square and went on to score. That's what fans come to football matches for."
Smith added: "The result was important for us today but I haven't been concerned because we've played well in games and not got the rewards we should.
"It's good to send people home with smiles on their faces, though, and now we have to use this as a springboard."
