Brentford coach Dean Smith was thrilled to keep a clean sheet following his side’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

A solid first-half performance saw Kamohelo Mokotjo and Neal Maupay score twice within 15 minutes at the Stadium of Light, but Smith rued the loss of momentum after the half-time break.

Nevertheless, Brentford held on to remain 10th in the Championship table, just five points adrift of the play-off zone.

“The intent was there from the off,” said Smith. “I think we forced three or four corners in the first five or six minutes.

“That’s what we wanted to do, what we set out to do and we got a really good, well-worked goal from an unlikely source.

“It’s great to see Kamo on the scoresheet, it was a good finish from the edge of the box.

“It’s great that Neal Maupay got another goal as well. He played the lone role up top and did well.”

A scintillating first half preceded a slump in performance after the break, but Smith was pleased to come out of the tough fixture with a clean sheet.

"In the second half I thought we were poor,” he reflected.

“I didn't think we played as well but we showed a little bit of doggedness and, as I say, it's always good to come away with a clean sheet.

"They made two substitutions at half-time, just to give them renewed energy. We obviously were aware of what happened at Bristol City last week, with Bristol three-nil up and Sunderland getting back.

“We felt there were other goals out there for us and we've had chances but we've given away too many chances in the second half as well.

"We gave a lot of cheap balls away, a little bit of technique with the pitch and a little bit of poor decision making, but we certainly held the line well and kept a clean sheet."

Next, Brentford face Championship strugglers Birmingham at Griffin Park on Tuesday evening. Smith said he hoped that Saturday’s three points would instill confidence for the clash.

“It’s a big week because it’s three games in a week,” said Smith.

“It’s a good start for us but Birmingham are a tough team to play against – they will be a tough nut to crack.

“We have to make sure we recover well and get ready for that battle.”