Brentford have taken a 2-1 lead into half time of their crucial Championship fixture with Bolton Wanderers.

Brentford had the better of the early stages but Emile Heskey should have put Bolton ahead after 11 minutes after being played in on goal as the former England striker could only shoot wide of the target.

The home side were struggling to create clear-cut openings, with a speculative effort from Jota their one chance of note in the opening 20 minutes.

Moments later, Alex Pritchard, who had been recalled to the side, sent a free kick over the crossbar, before Bolton's Dorian Dervite headed against a defender when well placed in the penalty area.

Brentford were living dangerously at the back though, and Liam Feeney came agonisingly close to an opener after rounding David Button before seeing his shot cleared off the line.

However, with 10 minutes to go before half time, Brentford took the lead through Pritchard, who was well placed at the back post to complete a well-worked move.

It took Bolton just four minutes to get back on level terms through Adam le Fondre, who latched on to a pass from Heskey before finding the back of the net, but just before the break, Brentford regained the lead.

Like their first goal, the ball was delivered to the back post but on this occasion, it was Jonathan Douglas who applied the finishing touch.

Written by
Darren Plant