Three first-half goals did the damage at Griffin Park, where Nahki Wells and his Queens Park Rangers teammates fell to a 3-1 defeat to west London neighbors Brentford.
Said Benrahma in the 19th minute, Bryan Mbeumo in the 23rd minute and Ollie Watkins in the 33rd minute were all on target to put the promotion-chasers firmly in the driving seat before half-time.
QPR weren’t such spectators after the break and, in the 62nd minute, pulled a goal back through top scorer Wells.
NATHAN TROTT
Nathan Trott and his AFC Wimbledon teammates second-half fightback proved to be in vain this afternoon with hosts Portsmouth just doing enough to earn victory.
Wimbledon showed plenty of character to battle back and equalize through Joe Pigott in the 62nd minute, but a goal from John Marquis proved decisive in a 2-1 win for Portsmouth. In an eventful second-half, Scott Wagstaff was sent off for two yellow card offences after entering as a substitute. It was a much-improved display from Wimbledon after the break, but it just failed to yield a point to reward.
JONTE SMITH
Jonte Smith who is still under contract, but was once again not included in the team as his Cheltenham Town teammates produced another fine display to score three goals for the second time in seven days, this time to defeat Walsall 3 – 0 and complete a satisfying league double.
Max Sheaf and Alfie May each added their second goal in seven days, sandwiching a typically unerring finish by Conor Thomas shortly after the interval.
REGGIE LAMBE
Reggie Lambe was once again serving a suspension as his Cambridge United teammates were punished by a ruthless Exeter City side who took their chances to prevail 2-0 at St James Park.
JUSTIN DONAWA & OSAGI BASCOME
Justin Donawa played the 90 minutes, but Osagi Bascome was an unused substitute as Darlington went out of the FA Trophy to National League Harrogate at Blackwell Meadows 2 - 0.
Having played just three days beforehand against Solihull, Darlington didn't have enough stamina to overcome a team that is placed third in the National League.
AMAR LEWIS
Amar Lewis and his Harlow Town teammates had a poor afternoon, several defensive mistakes them as they went down 3 – 0 to Chertsey Town.
