SCORES ON THE DAWS
Martin Braithwaite, at the centre of transfer speculation, was left out of the squad by Pulis.
There was a poignant minute’s applause before kick-off as a tribute to Rob Rowan, the Bees technical director, who died at the age of 28.
Aiden Flint skied a shot over after Daniel Bentley failed to deal with Stewart Downing’s corner. Brentford were top of the league after just eight Championship clean sheet. To rub salt into the Tigers’ wounds, Dawson’s replacement – Jordy De Wijs – produced another dismal display.
With the visiting defence staying solid, Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley scored in quick succession midway through the second half.
De Wijs gifted Grabban the first goal – while Dawson’s Forest took their games of the season. But their form had already started to tail off before Dean Smith’s departure to Aston Villa.
And injuries and bans to key players have not helped in Thomas Frank’s transition to the manager’s role.
Former Boro midfielder Josh Mceachran gave the ball fifth clean sheet in seven league games.
Forest boss Aitor Karanka said of Dawson (below): “When I signed him, people thought I wanted him to help us in the changing room – but I knew he’d also help on the pitch.
“He showed he not only ‘was’ a very good player, but still ‘is’ a very good player.” De Wijs wanted to away cheaply and from a swift break Hugill struck a fierce shot too close to Daniel Bentley. Hugill was booked after clashing with Chris Mepham. Brentford responded as Moses Odubajo brought a flying save from impressive Darren Randolph. But Boro got the goal they had threatened bounce back from a horror show in the 3-3 draw at Birmingham but the opposite happened. Hull boss Nigel Adkins said: “The first goal was a shocking one from an individual mistake. “Forest are on a roll but we have gifted them the three points.” Hull’s Eric Lichaj was facing his former club for the first time since summer – but the American had it after 56 minutes. Mo Besic picked out Jonny Howson and although Bentley blocked his effort Hugill rolled the ball home into the empty net.
Then from Dael Fry’s cross Tavernier headed past Bentley.
Judge kept the contest alive, firing home after a cleverly-worked short corner routine.
Randolph made another fine save from sub Josh Da Silva to end Brentford’s hopes. tough. Karanka’s men quickly thrust forward with a Matty Cash shot deflected over by De Wijs.
Hull started improving and thought they should have had a 33rd-minute penalty when Fraizer Campbell was downed.
Forest broke through just after the hour mark, as Grabban pounced during a scramble.
And Hull imploded again just two minutes later, as Lolley’s shot deflected in off De Wijs.