Nottingham Forest's miserable run of form looks set to continue as they trail Brentford 2-0 at half time at the City Ground.
During a quiet opening, Forest had an early chance to take the lead when Danny Fox found Michail Antonio, but his effort failed to trouble David Button in the Bees' goal.
Brentford tried to forge an early breakthrough themselves as makeshift full-back Moses Odubajo crossed for Jonathan Douglas, only for the forward to see his shot blocked by the hosts' defence.
The Londoners then took the lead when Odubajo again provided a pinpoint delivery to the feet of Jon-Miquel Toral and the Arsenal loanee duly found the top corner of Karl Darlow's net.
Forest, currently 10th in the Championship after a winless run of seven league games, tried to respond within minutes as Antonio collected the ball on the wing and played a pass into the path of Henri Lansbury, but the midfielder's strike was met by a last-ditch block.
However, it was Brentford who scored again through former Luton Town forward Andre Gray who rifled his shot past a helpless Darlow on 35 minutes to the delight of the travelling Bees support.
Mark Warburton had almost wrapped up the game with half time approaching when Alan Judge was given space to find a cross for Douglas, but his header was cleared from danger.
Forest came close to pulling a goal back through Jamaal Lascelles header. However, Button was able to tip the ball over the bar.
With the interval approaching, Brentford squandered a great to make it three as Douglas found himself in acres of space and, with only Darlow to beat, he was unable to find the back of the net.
Chris O'Keefe
