Brentford 1 (MacDonald 15) Colchester United 0

A Charlie MacDonald goal early in the first half gave Brentford a narrow – but deserved – victory over third-placed Colchester United at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.

The Bees produced an all-round solid display, during which they returned to playing the ball on the deck as they sought to outfox a well-built Colchester side riding high in the table.

The result was built on an impressive display from Brentford’s defence, with centre-half Leon Legge again impressive on his full league debut.

Brentford boss Andy Scott was pleased with his side’s performance: “It was a good night and I’m really proud of how they have come back from the disappointment at Wycombe.

"The last two results and clean sheets is a massive boost to everyone.”

Scott recalled loan signings Wojciech Szczesny and Pim Balkestein in goal and at centre-half, while Legge retained his place at centre half after his heroics in the FA Cup last Saturday.

Brentford took the lead after 15 minutes, when Colchester failed to deal with a cross from the left and after John Bostock’s first effort was blocked he retrieved the ball from the right hand by-line and delivered a superb cross into the six yard box, which MacDonald easily headed home.

As Colchester looked to respond, the Bees defence failed to clear a ball into the box and it fell to Anthony Wordsworth but he shot over the bar.

A Ryan Dickson throw on the left then broke to MacDonald, who dribbled into the box but was foiled by Paul Reid as he prepared to shoot.

The impressive Dickson the crossed into the centre of the box where MacDonald headed the ball down to Ben Strevens but his weak shot was easily held by Ben Williams.

Colchester tried to respond in the early stages of the second half and forced a couple of corners, but were unable to capitalise.

Brentford weathered the early pressure and while they failed to create many chances during the second half they continued to defend well and enjoy their fair share of possession.

Great control in midfield from Bostock saw him free Marcus Bean down the left wing but, after reaching the penalty box, he couldn’t quite find Strevens with his pass.

Colchester came close to equalising when Marc Tierney broke down the left flank but his cross to the back post was headed behind by substitute Paul Ifil.

The Bees can now look forward to Saturday’s trip to the division’s bottom club Tranmere Rovers with renewed confidence.

Brentford: Szczesny; Foster, Balkestein, Legge, Dickson; Bostock (sub Saunders 90), Bean (sub Hunt 90), O’Connor, Wood; MacDonald (sub Murphy 87), Strevens

Subs (not used): Moore, Bennett, Cort, Wilson

Attendance: 4,200

Goals: MacDonald 15

Man of the match: Ryan Dickson

Match rating: 4/6