Brentford ensured they head into 2014 as leaders of League One following a 3-1 win over MK Dons at Griffin Park on Sunday.

The Bees extended their run to 11 wins out of 12 in the league as they continued new manager Mark Warburton's perfect start with his fourth win in a row.

After Clayton Donaldson put the home side ahead within the opening two minutes the Bees always looked confident and in control as they played some enterprising football before running out comfortable winners.

The first goal came after the visitors' defence failed to deal with a long ball over the top and Brentford's in-form striker raced onto the ball and took it round David Martin before beating him at his near post.

Marcello Trotta then wasted a glorious chance to double his side's lead when he broke down the left and fired over the bar when Donaldson was unmarked in a great position in the middle of the Dons' box.

MK Dons impressive striker Patrick Bamford – on loan from Chelsea – came close to equalising when he broke down the left and latched into a long ball which he came close to lobbing David Button with as the ball sailed inches over the bar.

Sam Saunders then saw his shot from 20 yards saved by Martin, while Donaldson then broke down the right and his early cross to the near post was turned over the bar by Trotta.

Samir Carruthers looked dangerous for the visitor when he danced around a couple of defenders before his shot was blocked.

Early in the second half Donaldson skipped into the box from the left wing and shot just over the bar.

The home fans did not have to wait long to see the Bees extend their lead when Saunders found himself in plenty of space wide on the right and his low cross into the box was controlled by Trotta who fired past Martin.

Six minutes later the points were secure when Donaldson excelled on the right before crossing for Saunders, who took his time before picking his spot in the right hand corner.

MK Dons created a number of chances during the closing stages, but largely failed to trouble Button as they failed to find the target with most of them.

Carruthers sent a fizzing shot just wide of the left hand post, before Lee Hodson took the ball wide of Button and from the edge of the six yard box sent fierce shot past the Bees' keeper.

Brentford saw out the closing stages to extend their impressive form and rise to the top of the league at the half way point of the season.

Brentford: Button, McCormack (sub Logan 67), Dean, Craig, Bidwell; Saunders, Douglas, Forshaw (sub Dallas 60), Saville, Donaldson, Trotta, (sub El Alagui 81).

Subs (not used): Lee, Fillo, O'Connor, Diagouraga