Brentford talisman Ivan Toney made his goalscoring return after an 8 month ban with a crucial win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Toney had breached the FA’s betting rules and had been sentenced to an 8 month ban from all competitive football.
He certainly didn’t look like he had missed 260 days of football as he scored from a free-kick in the 19th minute to equalise after Danilo’s volley in the 3rd minute silenced the crowd.
Brentford completed the turnaround when Ben Mee scored with a header from Mathias Jensen’s corner in the 58th minute. It was a landmark day for Mee as well due to it being his 50th appearance for the Bees.
Brentford’s lead only lasted 7 minutes as Chris Wood glanced on the ball after a cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi. This was Wood’s 6th goal 6 games and was truly becoming a prolific striker.
Just 3 minutes later, Neal Maupay would swing the affair into Brentford’s favour as he reversed his shot into the bottom corner after Mads Roerslev cross in.
Brentford move up to 14th in the league with this result while Forest drop to 16th and are only 4 points off the relegation zone with a game in hand.
On his return, Ivan Toney said: “It was a long time coming, I manifested this win when I was at home during the time I was out, I am here now and buzzing to be back scoring goals and winning with the team.”
“I 100 per cent knew this would happen again. I manifest things like this. Before the game, before I left my house, I thought, ‘We’re winning today and I’m scoring.’ And I made it happen, which is good.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank said as well:
“They’re three big points. It was a massive game for us. We played a fine game. Of course Ivan is important but there are 10 other players on the pitch. One other player I would like to praise is Neal Maupay. That was a top goal. I’m very pleased.”
“We faced a good team but in the first half we struggled to get on top of the game. We didn’t create enough in open play. We talked a little bit about taking less touches. We were much better in the second half.”
“It’s a boost to have Ivan back but we showed great character to stay in the game. He was impressively good. He’s been out for eight months. He’s a man for the big occasion. He doesn’t feel the pressure. He played the football he loves. He was ever-present with his link-up play.”
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo was left frustrated due to some VAR calls during the game and said:
“Of course, I have an issue. Everyone in this room can see it was a ball displacement. The law is clear. Every goal must be checked. Every situation that leads to a goal must be checked. I don’t know if this was checked. It’s ball displacement.”
“I think we have to be a little bit more mature in these situations. It changed the position of the wall. It was a soft goal but everyone thinks it’s a mistake from the wall. But it’s not only inches but a yard almost.”
When asked about Toney’s comment that you’re allowed to move the ball a yard either side, Nuno added: “That’s the first time I’ve heard that one.”
Brentford next travel to Tottenham on January 31 before hosting Man City on February 5.
Nottingham Forest next head to Bristol City in the FA Cup on January 26 before hosting Arsenal on January 30.
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