Nelson stars for five-star Brentford in Grimsby thrashing

Reiss Nelson starred on his first Brentford start as the Bees strolled into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a dominant 5-0 win to end League Two Grimsby Town's memorable run in the competition.

The Bees were 3-0 up at half-time but the first 20 minutes told a very different story. Grimsby were all over the Premier League side, with over 60 per cent of the ball, plus Charles Vernam and Evan Khouri seeing efforts saved at the near post. A repeat of the win against Manchester United looked a possibility.

• As it happened | Teams | Stats
• Carabao Cup fixtures and results
• Got Sky? Watch Carabao Cup on the Sky Sports app 📱
• Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract 📺

But Mathias Jensen's excellent finish from distance, after Grimsby gave the ball away cheaply on the edge of their own box, changed the tide of the match - then it became all about Arsenal loanee Nelson.

The 25-year-old delivered a classy run and cross to set up Keane Lewis-Potter at the back post for Brentford's second - before then curling in the third in a sweeping Bees move. It was his first goal in 403 days, after his loan spell at west London neighbours Fulham last season was cut short due to injury.

And within nine minutes of the second half, Brentford added to their lead as Fabio Carvalho was felled in the box by Khouri. The Brentford midfielder, who was linked with a January exit by some outlets on Tuesday, dusted himself down to convert the spot kick.

It would go on to be five as Jensen's corner was headed home by captain and substitute Nathan Collins - underlining Brentford's set-piece threat on an easy night for the Bees.

More to follow...

WATCH: Nelson's impressive goal and assist

Analysis: Are Brentford now Carabao contenders?

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

What a few weeks for Keith Andrews. Manchester United, West Ham and Liverpool dispatched in the Premier League - now they're into the last eight of the Carabao Cup in emphatic fashion.

And he managed that last feat with a group of fringe players too - with nine changes from the side who beat Liverpool at the weekend.

Brentford initially struggled with the transition from being underdogs against Liverpool to favourites in this game - but their ability to hit teams on the break makes them such an excellent cup team. That's how their first two goals came.

Stun the big teams, punish the lesser ones - the Bees can do it all. They're so difficult to play against.

So does anyone actually want to face this Brentford team in the quarter-finals, and does that make them Carabao Cup contenders?