BOLD BEE GOT BUSY

Sub Bryan stings Cherries

THOMAS FRANK was rewarded for some bold substitutions as his 10-man Brentford sealed a play-off spot.

Replacement Bryan Mbeumo struck the winner to guarantee the Bees’ top-six slot and end Bournemouth’s sevenmatch winning streak.

The victory was vindication for Frank for keeping his side on the front foot even after captain Pontus Jansson was sent off moments into the second half.

Bees boss Frank said: “I’m more than delighted. I am immensely proud of the players and I hope the fans are as well.

“In the first half we were by far the better side and in the second half when it was 10 against 11, they created zero chances.

“We went for the win throughout the game. That says everything about the attitude and the togetherness throughout the team.

“Sometimes you take some decisions and they pay off.”

Brentford were the better team right from the start and should have gone in ahead at half-time.

Ivan Toney was presented with a golden chance to become the first player in eight years to score 30 Championship goals in a campaign when Steve Cook slipped trying to cut out a Vitaly Janelt through ball – but he shot tamely straight at goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Toney spurned another chance in first-half stoppage-time when he steered just wide after being played through by Mathias Jensen. Brentford were rocked when Jansson was shown a second yellow card for needlessly dragging down Arnaut Danjuma having already been booked for a foul.

Bournemouth were unable to make their man advantage count with Danjuma’s ambitious 35-yard free-kick their only shot on target.

Mbeumo pounced 13 minutes from time to fire home from close range after Begovic could only parry Toney’s initial shot.

Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate said: “To win seven games in a row is a fantastic effort but it had to come to an end at some point.

“I can’t fault the players’ efforts. Maybe we ran out of steam.”