Brentford striker Clayton Donaldson's admitted his winner against Southend on Tuesday might never have happened, but for a deflection.

Boss Uwe Rosler's men saw off League Two Southend 2-1 at Griffin Park to set up an FA Cup fourth round glamour home tie with European champions Chelsea.

Paul Hayes scored from close range in the first half to give his side the lead and the Bees would have been out of sight by the break had it not been for the Shrimpers' former Bees keeper Paul Smith. 

Smith made a host of world class saves - including one from a Harry Forrester penalty - before Donaldson's decisive 76th minute strike after Barry Corr's header for the visitors had levelled matters moments earlier.

And the Brentford striker, celebrating his 18th goal of the campaign for the Bees, admitted it was a relief to finally get past the in-form shotstopper.

"Today was a result game.  We just had to get through," he said.

"If it hadn't taken a nick, Paul (Smith) probably would have saved it.  That might have been the only way we were going to score, so I was happy to see it hit the back of the net.

"It is difficult not to think about the Chelsea game now we are through.

"It is a great feeling. It didn't really sink in as we walked off the pitch.

"But when we sat in the dressing and everyone pointed out that in the opposite changing room will be the likes of Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard, it is unbelievable.

"It is a tie everyone is looking forward to."