scoring three goals in five games. Saunders signed a one-year contract extension in late February 2012. He finished the 2011–12 season with 43 appearances, a seasonal-best 12 goals and he was also credited with 9 assists. Challenging for promotion (2012–2014) Saunders began the 2012–13 season as a first-choice at the top of a midfield diamond formation, but he was dropped to the bench in mid-September 2012 and was utilised predominantly as a substitute for the remainder of the season. Saunders appeared in each of Brentford's three end-of-season playoff games as a substitute, but he was unable to help the Bees to victory in the 2013 League One play-off final. He made 44 appearances and scored three goals during the 2012–13 season and signed a new two-year contract in June 2013. Saunders began the 2013–14 season with starting roles in cup games and substitute cameos in the league. An illness suffered by George Saville brought Saunders into the game as a first-half substitute against Preston North End on 21 December and late in the second half he capped a fine Brentford performance by scoring the third goal in a 3–0 victory. He went on to score in four consecutive games and his form won him the December 2013 League One Player of the Month award. Saunders was sidelined with a knee problem in mid-January 2014, which required season-ending surgery in February. In his absence, Brentford went on to win automatic promotion to secure a place in the Championship for the 2014–15 season. He led the team in assists during the season, with seven. Championship (2014–2017) Saunders travelled with the Brentford squad to the IMG Academy in Florida in July 2014 for a pre-season training camp and reported that his injured knee was "fine". The knee subsequently became inflamed and he failed to return to full training until 14 October 2014. Saunders made his first competitive appearance in 11 months with a late cameo in a 3–2 victory over Millwall on 8 November. He failed to appear again until Boxing Day, but made his presence felt, when he scored two late goals after coming on for Alan Judge during the second half of a 4–2 defeat to Ipswich Town. Saunders signed a one-year contract extension on 15 January 2015. He finished 2014–15 with just six appearances and spent the final three months of the season away on loan. A hamstring injury suffered