Brentford 5-0 Birmingham City

Brentford completed a league double over Birmingham for the first time since the 1951-52 season

Brentford thrashed an error-prone Birmingham to deepen Blues' Championship relegation worries.

Ollie Watkins' 25-yard shot found its way underneath David Stockdale before Florian Jozefzoon rounded the Blues keeper to make it 2-0 before half-time.

Neal Maupay tapped in for 3-0, then Blues' third consecutive defeat was sealed when Stockdale's spill allowed Maupay to fire in via Marc Roberts.

Watkins then headed in from Jozefzoon's cross to complete Birmingham's misery.

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Brentford could have scored any number of goals, with Watkins and Maupay looking dangerous, before completing their biggest league win of the season, to climb within three points of Bristol City in sixth and leave Birmingham just a point above the relegation zone.

Dean Smith's side continued their excellent league form at Griffin Park, where they have now lost just once in 16 league matches since the opening game of the season.

For Birmingham, it was another concerning performance, as their defensive lapses were punished and they failed to score for a 17th Championship match this season.

Top scorer Sam Gallagher came the closest, at 2-0, forcing Daniel Bentley to save one on one and skimming the crossbar, but Blues finished a third consecutive game goalless.

Brentford head coach Dean Smith told BBC Radio London:

"It was a very good performance from the players. We wanted a high tempo and to go and press them.

"The pace and power from our wide players was excellent. We have always felt there was a lot of potential in Neal Maupay and he is getting better.

"The top six is our aim but we have to take it one game at a time. There is a hunger, desire and character there that is really pleasing."

Birmingham City manager Steve Cotterill told BBC WM:

"A very painful night. You can't make those mistakes we've made and expect to get anything out of a Championship game - especially away at Brentford.

"Some of the mistakes we've made tonight are uncharacteristic of those boys. It put us on the back foot right from the off. We just can't give away the goals we've given away, let alone the missed chances.

"We've had some tough results this season. We turn a corner with some positives ones, but since the defeat at Villa it's hard picking the players up again."