Brentford 0, Stockport 2 ANGRY Brentford fans called for manager Wally Downes' head on Saturday after seeing the Bees suffer their fifth successive defeat and replace Stockport in next-to-bottom place in the Second Division.

Selling tickets at a knock down £5 attracted a crowd of 6,615, but unfortunately many of them vented their frustrations - despite the fact Brentford had no luck at all.

Downes, sacked on Sunday, said: "I can understand the fans' reaction, but at least they booed me and not the players. I am gutted, especially after we were camped in Stockport's half for most of the game."

This defeat underlines why Brentford have been eyeing strikers, including Oxford pair Andy Scott, a former Bee, and Julian Alsop and Portsmouth's Lee Bradbury, who has turned them down.

The turning point was the handball given by referee Carl Boyeson against Matt Somner in the 55th minute, enabling Richard Lambert to fire County ahead from the penalty spot with their first shot on target.

Downes commented: "I thought it was very much ball to hand' and I didn't feel it was a penalty. Matty said it hit him in the chest."

Brentford, having recalled Stephen Hunt and Tony Rougier in place of Jay Tabb and Stephen Evans, forced nine corners and hit the woodwork three times.

Ben May and Ibrahima Sonko both shook the crossbar from Michael Dobson's long throws, while Hunt, Rougier and Bull went desperately close.

But County made the game safe with an 85th minute breakaway goal when Chris Williams teased Somner before unleashing a power drive that gave Stuart Nelson no chance.

Brentford: Nelson; Dobson, Somner, Sonko, Bull; Hunt, Talbot, Hutchinson (Tabb, 61mins), Rougier (Wright, 71mins); O'Connor, May. Subs not used: Julian, Evans, Frampton.