Brentford scrambled a valuable 1-0 home victory against lowly, but much improved Mansfield Town.
The home side opened the brighter and on four minutes a low cross by Mark McCammon was almost latched on to by James Hunt in the six-yard box.
Two minutes later at the other end home defender Scott Marshall almost diverted the ball into his own net, but the ball flew just past the right-hand upright.
On 12 minutes Jamie Fullarton for the home side was yellow-carded for a foul on Iyseden Christie and three minutes later McCammon headed wide at the near post.
Both sides huffed and puffed for the rest of the half but neither had a worthwhile effort on target.
In injury time Rowan Vine for the Bees was yellow carded for a lunge on Adam Eaton and almost immediately the Stags Craig Disley was cautioned for a foul on Vine.
After the break the Bees upped the tempo and on 55 minutes Hunt curled an effort just wide of the right-hand post.
Three minutes later the home side broke the deadlock. A long throw by Michael Dobson was flicked on and Kevin O'Connor ten yards out headed home as the keeper desperately tried to keep the ball out of the net.
After 67 minutes the Bees almost extended their lead. A quick break was led by Vine, who ran 60 yards and fired in a right-foot effort from just inside of the box and keeper Kevin Pilkington made a fine save.
Two minutes later at the other end Christie headed over from a good position at the far post.
Five minutes from time the visitors missed a golden opportunity to equalise when a long throw by Bobby Hassell was flicked on and Liam Lawrence, only eight yards out, fired wide of the right-hand post.
Two minutes form time Vine was sent off for his second bookable offence following a brawl in the Mansfield box, but the Bees held on to secure all three points.