A brace from Saido Berahino helped Brentford secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Exeter City at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.

The on-loan striker pounced just before the break and again midway through the second half to steer his side to victory.

After Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Yeovil it was a chance for the Bees to bounce back and continue their recent impressive home form.

Berahino threatened early after Niall McGinn started a move inside his own half, which saw him find Berahino, who exchanged passes with Gary Alexander, before seeing his shot blocked by Artur Krysiak.

Beyond this the game was slow to come to life. Midway through the half Jamie Cureton cut in from the left and Simon Moore did well to parry his strong shot.

Brentford’s defence looked solid as it then cleared a dangerous free kick from David Noble.

The deadlock was broken four minutes before the break when a Jake Bidwell free kick from the right was met by the head of Jonathan Douglas and eventually fell to Berahino inside the six yard box and he fired home.

The on-loan striker came close to extending the lead early in the second half but was denied by a good save from Krysiak.

Things went from bad to worse for the Grecians when captain Noble was sent off for what looked like leading with his elbow as he challenged Harlee Dean for a high ball.

Brentford took full advantage by doubling their lead two minutes later when Adam Forshaw’s cross from the right was headed home at the back post by Berahino.

The Bees could have added to their total in the closing stages but will have been happy to record another home victory.

Brentford: Moore, Thompson, Dean, Legge, Bidwell; Douglas, Forshaw, Diagouraga, McGinn (sub Saunders 73); Alexander (sub Donaldson 73), Berahino, (sub Forrester 85)

Subs (not used): Lee, Balkestein

Attendance: 4124

Man of the Match: Adam Forshaw

Goals: Berahino 41, 69