Brentford scored four goals in the last 16 minutes to record a thumping 5-0 victory over Preston North End with Scott Hogan bagging a hat-trick.

The Bees striker opened the scoring 11 minutes before half time after latching onto a delightful through ball from Romaine Sawyers.

Harlee Dean looked to have made the points safe before the visitors completely collapsed after Marnick Vermijl went off injured and conceded three goals in 196 seconds in the closing stages.

Hogan had his second before Chris Humphrey put the ball through his own net and the striker had his hat-trick moments later.

Here are five talking points to take away from a memorable afternoon

The Bees need to be more adventurous

Dean Smith

Dean Smith's side managed Saturday's encounter well and kept Preston at bay for the vast majority of the contest.

A 5-0 score line may suggest that Brentford played their opponents off the park but it was a case of Preston being just as poor as Brenford were impressive.

An own goal, a poorly defended corner and a defensive mix-up gifted Brentford three of their five goals as the Lilywhites finished with 10 men after Marnick Vermijl went off injured with the score at 2-0.

If Smith was after any improvement for their next game it would be to be both more clinical and productive when in possession of the ball.

In the first hour too many passes went sideways and backwards and Brentford's midfield need to back themselves to be more progressive in future.

Scott Hogan is just ruthless

Aston Villa's Pierluigi Gollini saves from Brentford's Scott Hogan
Aston Villa's Pierluigi Gollini saves from Brentford's Scott Hogan

The striker, who reignited calls for Ireland selection after scoring five goals in three games, was starved of chances as the Brentford midfield struggled to create many clear cut chances despite having much of the ball.

He was able to convert the only real chance of the first period after Romaine Sawyers put him in the clear.

He then pounced on a lapse in concentration to round Anders Lindegaard for his second before running onto a through ball and finishing expertly to bag himself a well deserved hat-trick.

Brentford will need to keep him under lock and key in January.

Daniel Bentley is a top drawer goalkeeper

Daniel Bentley

The summer recruit is quickly endearing himself to the Brentford faithful and enhanced his growing reputation today.

He made several top draw saves when called upon - especially one early in the second half when Preston were looking to get back into the game before Brentford ran away with the game late in the second half.

He otherwise had a routine afternoon but was his usually impressive self when asked.

Harlee Dean impresses in both boxes

Jordan Ayew and Harlee Dean

The Brentford skipper made the points safe midway through the second 45 with a composed finish after being first to a second ball from the Bee's corner.

At the other end he produced a usual captain's performance as he marshalled his defensive counterparts well to rebuff any really attack if threat that Preston had.

A very accomplished display from the centre-half as he hardly put a foot wrong.

Brentford end three year drought

An impressive afternoon at Griffin Park saw the home side win by a five goal margin for the first time since November 2013 when they put five past Crewe Alexandra in League One.

Several promotions have since happened and the result will make for very happy viewing in west London as Brentford extended their unbeaten run to four games.

Feelings of a second play-off push in three years are beginning to raise expectations as the Bee's finish Saturday in the play-off places.