Joe Lolley's deflected effort helped Nottingham Forest win an end-to-end, all-action affair at Griffin Park and climb to third in the Championship. 

Sabri Lamouchi's men have moved to the front of the chasing pack and after West Bromwich Albion's slip-up, are now within touching distance of the automatic promotion places–just two points back.

It has been 21 years since the Reds were in the English top-flight but the Midlands club have built up a head of steam in the Championship promotion race–winning five of their last seven league games.

Brentford entered into the game having won six in a row at Griffin Park and with the best defensive record in the division but without captain and centre-back Pontus Jansson, they lacked their usual defensive resolve.

The game opened as you’d hope a meeting between two top-six sides would–high-tempo, with both sides hungry for possession and the first goal.

Lolley nearly provided it in the opening seconds as he latched onto Lewis Grabban's through ball and raced toward goal but he lost balance as he shaped to shoot and Brentford were able to clear.

It was the 27-year-old that eventually scored the opener after a high-tempo first 13 minutes. Bees goalkeeper David Raya punched away a dangerous corner but only as far as the Forest man at the edge of the box. He chested it down and unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off Julian Jeanvier and flew into the top corner.

The goal did nothing to dampen the tempo of the game and Brentford had a fantastic opportunity to level seven minutes later. A quick break culminated with Ollie Watkins at the top of the box, the Championship's joint-top scorer had a man in space on the left but declined to use him and slid his effort wide of the post.

The hosts should’ve pulled level 10 minutes before the half. Matias Jensen whipped a probing ball right into the path of Christian Norgaard at the back post but his countryman was unable to get the necessary contact.

Both sides had half-chances in the dying moments of the half, first Said Benrahma saw his effort blocked by Ben Watson and then Sammy Ameobi whistled one wide of the post on the turn. 

However, Lamouchi’s men should really have gone into the break two goals up. In first-half stoppage time, a free-kick was floated to Joe Worrall in acres of space at the back post but the centre-back could only tamely direct his free header into Raya’s hands.

A frantic start to the second half provided chances for both sides, Benrahma sent a wobbling effort across the face of goal and then Lewis Grabban's steered his close-range effort right into Raya's gloves.

Grabban was denied again from right in front just after the hour mark, with Rico Henry rushing back to intercept a floated ball across goal.

Moments later, the Forest striker was centre-stage once again when Ethan Pinnock bundled into the back of him in the box, bringing him down as they both chased a ball over the top. Nothing from the referee, however.

A tussle broke out between home fans with just over 10 minutes to go but on the pitch, Brentford did not lose belief, continuing to press forward for an equaliser.

They were unable to find out despite forcing Brice Samba into a number of saves, the most testing of which a dipping free-kick from substitute Emiliano Marcondes.

The traveling Forest fans erupted at the final whistle on what feels like it might be a massive night in the Championship promotion race.

Forest up to third with a mouthwatering tie against top-of-the-table Leeds United 11 days away.

FULL TIME: Brentford 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest