Brentford have secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating Southend United 2-1 at Griffin Park.

The home side had the first effort of the game after 14 minutes when Harry Forrester hit a 25-yard volley off the bar.

Forrester continued to cause problems for Southend, shooting from the edge of the box on 16 minutes and forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper.

Brentford then took a deserved lead on 27 minutes, Lee Hodson's cross finding Paul Hayes at the back post for an easy tap-in.

The away side came close to an equaliser after 33 minutes, Kevan Hurst finding Anthony Straker, who saw his header tipped onto the bar, before somehow missing the rebound.

Michael Timlin had a huge chance to bring the score level on 49 minutes, but fired wide of the post.

The Bees were then awarded a penalty when Clayton Donaldson was brought down in the area. Forrester stepped up to take the spot kick and saw it clawed right out of the top corner by the in-form Paul Smith in goal.

Smith was again on hand to keep his side in the game on 63 minutes, keeping Jonathan Douglas's shot out before Mark Phillips cleared off the line.

Southend drew level on 69 minutes through Barry Corr, who headed home to make it 1-1.

Brentford restored their lead on 76 minutes when Donaldson's shot from the right-hand side deflected past Smith to secure a fourth-round tie with Chelsea.