Brentford 2-1 Preston North End
- Published
Marco Djuricin struck the winner as Brentford came from behind to beat Preston and record their second league win of the season.
Djuricin latched onto Jake Bidwell's header to coolly slot home and complete the hosts' comeback.
The visitors led after just 16 seconds when Daniel Johnson pounced on a rebound to fire home after Joe Garner's effort had been well saved.
Lasse Vibe levelled from close range before Djuricin secured the points.
The defeat drops Preston into the Championship's bottom three while Brentford climb to 17th.
The visitors got off to the perfect start as Johnson fired into the roof of David Button's net before either side had settled.
Preston could have doubled their lead moments later as Johnson turned provider for Stevie May but the Scottish striker's header went just wide.
Yoann Barbet then had the hosts' first real chance and his free header, destined for the bottom corner, was brilliantly saved by Jordan Pickford as he threw himself down to his left to tip the effort around the post.
Despite Brentford's improvement, Button was on his toes to expertly tip a Joe Garner header over the bar from six yards before half-time.
On-loan Sergi Canos came off the bench for Brentford to make his home debut and it proved the difference as moments after his introduction, his run and cross was met by Vibe who neatly tucked away the equaliser.
Three minutes later Bidwell flicked on Button's clearance and Djuricin beat Pickford to secure Brentford's first home league success of the season.
Brentford head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen: "The crowd helped us a lot today and their intensity and passion got through to the players.
"We were a lot more effective in the second half so I am very pleased with the win.
"To go behind so early brought a mental challenge for us, so I am very pleased with the character we showed to stay patient, get back in the game and then win it."
Preston manager Simon Grayson: "We stopped doing the good things we'd been doing before the break and when their second goal went in a few of our players looked like the game was over.
"We need to learn from that because in this division the quality is greater and the margin for error smaller.
"If you want to win you have to do better at the ugly side of the game. It's a lesson and one we will have to learn from quickly."
- Published20 June 2016
- Published7 June 2019