Last updated on .From the section Championship

Joe Lolley has scored four in five for Forest

Joe Lolley's first-half goal helped Nottingham Forest move up to third place in the Championship and within two points of the top two spots after beating fellow promotion hopefuls Brentford at Griffin Park.

Lolley's deflected shot flew past David Raya into the far corner to give Forest a lead they did not relinquish in an at-times feisty game, inflicting their opponents' first home league defeat since November.

Forest had chances to extend the lead but ex-Bees striker Lewis Grabban shot straight at Raya when well placed, and the same player might have won a penalty when he was felled by Ethan Pinnock, but no spot-kick was forthcoming.

Brentford failed to find a way past Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba, who pulled off a fine save from Emiliano Marcondes' free-kick late on to ensure the points stayed safe.

There seemed to be a little tension between Bees boss Thomas Frank and his opposite number Sabri Lamouchi at the end, after a real top-six tussle which left Brentford fifth.

The significance of this match was evident by the intensity of the football, which, despite living up to the promise in terms of quality, was also played at bubbling point throughout.

Bees forward Said Benrahma was booked for chopping down Samba Sow as the game became increasingly heated, while visiting keeper Samba was cautioned for time-wasting after incurring the wrath of the home support.

But while Forest take a big step towards the top two. Frank's Brentford are only six points behind second place themselves.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said:

"Forest are a good side and they are where they are for a reason. They are well organised and set out to make it scrappy from minute one.

"When you see them timewasting so early you know you have done something good at Griffin Park. They paid us a lot of respect and didn't let us get any tempo in the game.

"We knew they were a good team and it would be a tight game but we didn't have enough of that quality we usually do, so we can only blame ourselves."

Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi said:

"[It was a] massive win on a difficult pitch against one of the best teams in the league.

"The players' attitude, character and personality was perfect. We were lucky to score early on and this changed the game, but to be honest the team deserved this result.

"I have a fantastic squad and dressing room, but this league is so far, so long and so tough. We are where we are because the players deserve it but we have to be consistent because every game home or away is tough in this league."