Toney smashes record as Bees end on a high
STRIKER TAKES CHANCE IN FINAL LEAGUE MATCH
BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank was prepared to give Ivan Toney no more than 65 minutes against Bristol City to become the highest scorer ever in a Championship season.
With the upcoming play-offs in mind, Frank had no intention of giving his prized marksman a full game at Ashton Gate.
However, Toney still claimed the record – the most goals in the second tier since it was rebranded as the Championship some 17 years ago – by netting his 31st of the campaign to break the deadlock after 57 minutes, before giving way to substitute Bryan Mbeumo eight minutes later.
Mbeumo himself doubled the advantage at the end of a brilliant passing move and five minutes later Sergi Canos shot home at the far post to send Brentford into the play-offs on a high.
City substitute Louis Britton marked his debut by netting with a low drive three minutes from time, but it was no more than a consolation for his outplayed team.
Frank said: “It was always the plan to replace Ivan when we did and he knew that before the game.
“I’m so delighted that he did break the record because he is humble with his talent and deserves all the success he gets.
“I named a strong side because I wanted to take the momentum of our good run into the play-offs.
“We did not pick up any injuries. Ethan Pinnock only played the first half because of a minor problem he was carrying, but he is fine.
“Whatever happens from now on, it has been another outstanding season for the players.”
Brentford’s win at City saw them finish with 87 points, but that was only enough to earn them third place, with champions Norwich ending up with 97 points and Watford 91.
Frank, whose side also scored a league-leading 79 goals, added: “Our points tally would normally be enough for automatic promotion and we have again scored the most goals in the Championship.
“We will have a few beers tonight and then they will have three days off before preparing for what I am sure will be a tight tie of fine margins with Bournemouth. I have a good feeling about the play-offs, but the same was true last season. When you reach this stage the lines between success and failure are so slim. One mistake or a single decision going against you can make the difference.”