VRAN LOVES A NICE PAIR

TWO goals by Mario Vrancic and another by Josh Murphy gave Norwich a comfortable victory over their Championship rivals.

Bees youngster Chris Mepham marked his debut in the worst way possible after 10 minutes, fouling Marley Watkins in the box.

Vrancic coolly slotted home from the penalty spot, sending keeper Luke Daniels the wrong way.

The Canaries remained on the front foot and Vrancic nearly added a second on 20 minutes when his free-kick flashed just past the post.

Brentford had the perfect opportunity to pull a goal back on 29 minutes, when Kamohelo Mokotjo was upended in the area by Ivo Pinto.

But Yoann Barbet did not accept the invitation and blasted high over the bar from the spot.

The hosts continued to press, although all they had to show in the first half was Nico Yennaris turning and shooting wide on 38 minutes.

Murphy almost added a second for Norwich three minutes after the restart but his drive flashed across the face of the goalmouth.

They finally doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Vrancic added his second with a curling free-kick.

Justin Shaibu almost pulled one back for the Bees on 65 minutes, when his shot from outside the box hit the post and bounced to safety.

But Murphy added to his double in the last round when he ran on to a Tom Trybull throughball to slot home.

Josh Clarke scored a consolation in stoppage time for the home side.