TONY PULIS is happy for Middlesbrough fans to complain about his decisions when things go wrong after Brentford came from behind to win 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium.

Brentford, who won for only the second time on their travels this season, secured victory after an own goal from Middlesbrough defender Ryan Shotton with 20 minutes remaining was followed by Said Benrahama’s winner three minutes later.

That double cancelled out the sixth-minute lead Middlesbrough had secured courtesy of Ashley Fletcher’s second league goal of the campaign.

Pulis’ side is now 12 points behind the second and final automatic promotion spot after wins for Norwich City, Leeds United and Sheffield United.

Supporters were critical of his decision to replace striker Britt Assombalonga with full-back George Friend when Middlesbrough led – with fans directing sarcastic chants his way.

The Middlesbrough manager was also disappointed with the performance of referee Jeremy Simpson for ignoring decent penalty shouts, while Fletcher could have headed in a second too.

Pulis said: “We are disappointed, they are a good side, three or four players would be in any team in this division. We got a great start, we should have had a definite penalty.

“Second-half, Fletcher had the fantastic opportunity, I don’t know how he misses it and if Britt was on his toes he taps that in.

“I will go and see him (the referee), I don’t normally. He has booked Jonny Howson for diving and the lad has caught him. I don’t know how they get it so wrong sometimes.

“We should have had three definite penalties, at home you think you might get them, or at least one!

“It wasn’t popular decision (taking Assombalonga off). I didn’t think Britt looked sharp, quite at it like he has been. The Fletcher header I expected Britt to move and tap in, it went past him.

“People say that substitution affected the game, if I made a mistake I made a mistake I will hold my hands up.

“The whole squad are together, they are in it together, if I bring anyone off I think it is best for team. If I messed up I messed up, people can look at my decisions and say I have made the wrong decision and I have no problem with that.”

Brentford boss Thomas Franks believes the Bees silenced the critics by leaving with a first win on Teesside since 1938.

Franks said: “Sometimes stats don’t tell the whole story. We knew it was coming and it would be nice to get a win against one of the big teams and this was like a big win.

“It was about time. Boro is a top club and one of the best in England. We knew it would be difficult and we are very pleased with the way we did it. I am proud of the boys, they did very well.

“I am not being arrogant but we knew we could do well because we are good on the ball. We are on a good run, we are a good team, we have big confidence and big dreams but the most crucial thing is to concentrate every day.

"We controlled the game, didn't give it away too easily and had opportunities. I am very pleased with the way we handled the last 15 minutes when they went long.

“We are normally a 'weak' side, so all the experts say, but we were definitely not weak today. We showed real character.”