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Brentford made it three Championship wins in a row with a deserved victory at west London rivals Queens Park Rangers.

The hosts, who would have gone second in the table with victory, went behind in the first half when Ollie Watkins headed in Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.

Rangers equalised soon after the break through returning captain Grant Hall’s header, before Brentford retook the lead on the hour mark as Said Benrahma smashed an unstoppable penalty into the top corner.

Watkins sealed the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time, tapping in Mathias Jensen’s low cross as Brentford broke on the counter-attack.

The Bees were good value for their victory and could have had more goals were it not for R’s goalkeeper Liam Kelly who made fine saves to deny Benrahma, Josh Dasilva and Watkins.

Rangers also created some excellent chances – the best of them Nahki Wells’ bullet header which was superbly tipped wide by David Raya just before their leveller.

It was Josh Scowen’s foul on Mbeumo in the box which led to the decisive spot-kick, although it looked a debatable decision.

French winger Mbeumo appeared to already be falling when Scowen made contact, but referee Andy Woolmer had no hesitation pointing to the spot.

Watkins simply made sure of three points, scoring his 10th goal of the season with the last kick of an enthralling game.

QPR remain eighth in a tight Championship table, two points off an automatic promotion place, while Brentford are three points outside the play-offs in 12th.

The Bees will be hopeful of stretching their good run as they play teams below them in their next five fixtures.

Mark Warburton’s Rangers side face a tough visit to Leeds United on Saturday, while Thomas Frank’s men host improving Huddersfield.

QPR boss Mark Warburton told BBC Radio London:

“The players are not where they are by chance. They have won seven games because they have applied themselves tremendously well.

“It is a tough league and you are going to have highs and lows. We need to recognise the fine margins did not go our way tonight.”

On the penalty decision: “If you are going to make a decision in any game of football, then make sure it is the right call.

“I saw it live and had immediate doubts. I have seen the replays, and I appreciate officials have to do it instantaneously.

“But you have got to be 100% sure, and that is a really big call.”

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank told BBC Radio London:

“The result, winning away against QPR means so much for so many people who support the club. It gives me the biggest joy that we can give something back to the fans.

“People talk about three wins in a row and a good performance, but I think we can play even better.

“We have a specific way of playing and a style, and we knew there would be a lot of good opportunities for us to counter-attack.

“You can feel that there is confidence, focus and belief in the team and they showed it out on the pitch.”