Said Benrahma scored twice as Brentford secured a 3-0 victory over struggling West London rivals Fulham and reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Shortly before half-time (37), Marcus Forss opened the scoring before a Benrahma double (62, 77)-the second after an impudent piece of skill-ensured that Thomas Frank’s side earned a modicum of revenge for their loss in the Championship play-off final to the Cottagers.
The Fulham manager’s team lost all three games as they returned to the top flight and this defeat means more suffering for Scott Parker.
As Stoke City take on Aston Villa tonight, a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals is at stake.
Michael O’Neill gave young players the opportunity to shine by reaching the fourth round stage for the first time since 2015-and for the first time since 2000 when the club was outside the Premier League.
Villa were finalists last season, and while new signing Ross Barkley, brought in on Chelsea loan, is cup-tied, under Dean Smith have had a good start to 2020/21.
Results:
Brentford 3 – 0 Fulham
Goals: 1-0 Forss 37’, 2-0 Benrahma 62’, 3-0 Benrahma 77’
Aston Villa 0 – 1 Stoke
Goals: 0-1 Vokes 26’
