Allen digs his tree-pronged attack

Martin Allen claims a new formation is the key to Brentford's upsurge in form.

Rotating his midfielders and forwards around central striker Deon Burton, the Brentford manager has pioneered what he describes as the "conifer" system.

Allen said: "Terry Venables brought out the Christmas tree formation, but for Brentford players it's the conifer. Like the tree, they are big and strong, thrive in any conditions and no one likes them."

Four successive wins have lifted Brentford to sixth in League One and their play-off challenge has been boosted further by the return of long-term injury victims, Michael Dobson and Stephen Hunt.

After four months out with a groin problem, winger Hunt came on as substitute to score the winner against Swindon on Saturday.

He is expected to again start on the bench for tonight's League One home clash with Barnsley.