Ben Stevens finally scored his first goal for Brentford as they beat Gateshead 5-2 to reach the second round of the FA Cup last night.

Strevens was expected to make an immediate impact after completing a free transfer from Dagenham in the summer.

However, he broke his leg in pre-season and has been sidelined as Brentford's inconsistent displays left them hovering nervously above the drop zone.

The striker has shown fantastic character to bounce back from the miserable start to life in west London but, much to the delight of his manager Andy Scott, Strevens was rewarded for his hard work with a goal in last night's first-round replay.

It was his third appearance of the campaign and the 43rd-minute strike opened the floodgates as their Blue Square Premier opponents collapsed.

Charlie MacDonald and Myles Weston went on to score two goals apiece and now Scott has given Strevens belief that he can keep experienced forwards Carl Cort and Steve Kabba on the bench. Scott said: “It was a big blow to all of us when Ben got injured during pre-season because he had been looking good.

“He has worked so hard to come back, though, and the more he plays the better he will become. He learns very quickly.

“We have shown him stats from games he has played in terms of possession and giving the ball away and his link-up play was better tonight.

“His partnership with Charlie looks good. We also have Carl and Steve that can play up there, so it is good for me to have so many options available.”

Brentford now face Walsall, who they also play in the League at the weekend, in the second round.
Meanwhile, Leyton Orient were knocked out of the FA Cup 1-0 by Tranmere despite dominating the replay at Brisbane Road in front of only 1500 fans.

Rovers' Ash Taylor scored seven minutes from time with one of just three shots on target for the visitors.

Manager Geraint Williams said: “The one thing about Orient I find is there are an awful lot of pessimistic people about the place.

“There is an awful lot of good about this club and they should realise it sometimes. Anyone paying is entitled to have their say but it doesn't help the players.”