Brentford took the lead in the 30th minute through Burgess who fired home from 12 yards. Just on half time Smart was pushed by Ingimarsson and Eyres (pictured) made no mistake with the second penalty to put the Latics level. In the second half Brentford had a goal disallowed before Smart gave them the lead after his shot went in off the underside of the bar. In the 60th. minute it was Smart again who beat the goalkeeper to the ball and stroked it into the net. Michael Clegg, making his full debut, was beaten to a cross by Burgess who put the Bees one goal behind as he shot in from ten yards.
Dowie commented, “It's a very important win because we are still right in touch. Brentford are a big physical side and their front two have scored 30-odd goals between them this season so we did very well. I don't think anyone would begrudge us because some of our attacking play was very bright and we responded well to going behind. We fell asleep a couple of times but we worked hard on our defence and can't be perfect because we like to include so many attacking players in the side”.