Brentford 1-2 Crewe

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Crewe kept up their challenge for automatic promotion with a controversial victory at Brentford.

Brentford struck first in the 11th minute when Stephen Hunt lobbed Crewe keeper Clayton Ince from 25 yards.

The visitors' chances took another turn for the worse on 23 minutes when Ben Rix was stretchered off after a late challenge from Martin Rowlands.

But Rowlands, celebrating his 24th birthday, was sent off just before the break for another late lunge.

Crewe made the most of the extra man when Kenny Lunt scored a fantastic goal from 20 yards out on 52 minutes.

Ten minutes later Crewe made it two when Scott Marshall was harshly judged to have brought Lunt down.

And Lunt himself stepped up to send Bees keeper Paul Smith the wrong way from the spot.

That sparked a fightback from the Bees and Kevin O'Connor headed against the outside of the post from a corner and Rowan Vine saw his low drive cannon to safety off the other upright.

But the game ended in controversy when the referee turned down Brentford appeals for a penalty after Lunt handled inside the box.

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Brentford: Paul Smith, Dobson, Marshall, Sonko, Somner, O'Connor, Rowlands, Fullarton, Evans, Hunt, Vine. Subs: Jay Smith, McCammon, Hutchinson, Julian, Constantine.

Crewe: Ince, Wright, Walker, Walton, Vaughan, Lunt, Sorvel, Rix, Jack, Hulse, Jones. Subs: Bankole, Ashton, Sodje, McCready, Bell.

Referee: I Williamson (Berkshire)