Dean Smith was angered by Brentford’s game management as they “pressed the self-destruct button” in their 3-2 loss to Hull City.

The Bees took a lead early in the second half through David Meyler’s own goal and largely cruised their way through the first 50 minutes.

But Kamil Grosicki’s stunner changed the game and Smith felt his side reacted poorly to taking the lead once again.

“I thought we controlled the first half and were managing the game well,” he said.

Dean Smith

“We gave a needless free-kick away in the corner and their lad’s hit one he probably won’t hit again.

“Whether subconsciously we’re thinking about losing another lead, we chased the game far too early.

“We kept giving them the ball back and saying ‘have another go.’

“I was stood on the sideline quite comfortable for 50 minutes and then we pressed the self-destruct button.”

Brentford’s playoff push is being undermined by their inability to hold onto leads - they have now dropped 21 points from winning positions.

Smith admitted he’s been trying to find a solution in training.

“We’ve been addressing it all season,” he said.

“It’s about sticking to what we do best, passing and moving the ball, we didn’t do that. We got far too far ahead of the ball.”

The Griffin Park chief, who revealed Lasse Vibe will be available for the visit of Barnsley next week, refuted the suggestion it was hard facing Hull under new boss Nigel Adkins.

“For 49 minutes it wasn’t very difficult facing them at all,” he said.

“For whatever reason we kept giving the ball away cheaply.

“I’m very angry with the way we kept doing that.”