Brentford blew the chance to go second in the Championship as they were beaten 1-0 by Stoke on Saturday, a result which sees Leeds United crowned champions.
West Brom’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield on Friday night had already secured Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, and given the Bees the opportunity to go ahead in the race for the second automatic spot heading into the final day of the season.
A point would have been enough for Thomas Frank’s side go above the Baggies on goal difference, while a win would have put them within touching distance of the top-flight ahead of Wednesday’s home meeting with Barnsley.
However, Lee Gregory’s first half effort, turning home from close range after David Raya had parried, proved decisive and saw the Potters guarantee their own survival in the division.
Brentford had had a strong penalty appeal turned away after Bruno Martins-Indi pulled Ethan Pinnock down in the box but were generally well below the level that had seen them win eight league games in a row coming into the fixture.
Pinnock’s sharp half-volley deep into stoppage time was the closest they came to a second-half leveller, and Frank’s men must now get a better result than West Brom – who host QPR – on the final day if they are to avoid the playoffs.
