Callum Wilson scored just six minutes into his full debut, and captain Nathan Collins converted two headers as Brentford routed Championship side Birmingham 6-1.
The 34-year-old Wilson, who joined on a free transfer from relegated West Ham, seized his first opportunity with a crisp finish which took a deflection off defender Dael Fry, who had a debut to forget.
Brentford’s Premier League quality was evident throughout and although Blues equalised through Demarai Gray just before the half-hour they were level for just seven minutes.
Lax defending saw Aaron Hickey and Collins score in quick succession to effectively seal the tie before half-time, with Mikkel Damsgaard getting on the end of a counter-attack to add the fourth.
Igor Thiago’s smart close-range finish sent fans streaming for the exit, missing Collins’ second header.
