Nottingham Forest picked up a big win at fellow promotion-chasers Blackburn Rovers as they triumphed 2-0 at Ewood Park.
Goals from James Garner and Brennan Johnson clinched the three points for the Reds as they made it back-to-back victories, following Sunday’s FA Cup thumping of Leicester City. That moved them into the top six for the first time this season.
It was the visitors who had the advantage at the break, after an entertaining first 45 minutes in which chances came at both ends of the pitch.
Reda Khadra tried to catch Brice Samba out at his near post in the opening exchanges, but the Forest stopper was equal to the drilled effort.
And he followed that up by making a terrific save to thwart John Buckley just a few minutes later, with Scott McKenna quickly making a terrific goalline clearance to deny Ben Brereton-Diaz as the hosts kept the move alive.
They were two huge chances for Rovers. Both met by outstanding defending from the Reds, although a fair few of the home fans seemed to think at least one of them had gone in - that’s how close they were.
Forest responded by creating a couple of decent openings of their own.
Keinan Davis’ low cross/shot was met by Max Lowe, who fell just short with two quick efforts at goal. The first was blocked, and when the ball fell to the left wing-back again, the second was drilled into the side-netting from inside the box.
It didn’t take long after that for the opening to come, though, courtesy of more outstanding work from Davis.
The front man shrugged off a handful of hangers-on like they weren’t even there, rode the challenges and nonchalantly slipped in Garner. The finish was just as good as the build-up; the Manchester United loanee showing incredible composure to dummy to shoot, check himself and then roll the ball past Thomas Kaminski with 22 minutes gone.
Rovers remained dangerous, however. Steve Cook was in the right place to cut out Joe Rothwell’s cross before it reached Brereton-Diaz in the penalty area as half-time neared.
Still, it could have been 2-0 at the interval as the impressive Davis worked an opening for himself with neat footwork in the box, just firing off target with the shot.
Blackburn were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Darragh Lenihan was sent off for a foul on Jack Colback.
But there was still no let-up for Steve Cooper’s side as McKenna had to make another goal-saving block to keep out Sam Gallagher.
They could have closed the game out with 20 minutes to go, but Johnson’s effort was saved, with substitute Sam Surridge sending the rebound agonisingly wide of the far post.
Ryan Yates and Surridge had chances in the final minutes to kill the game off, but the Reds did just that as the 90 approached.
Surridge was felled by Jan Paul Van Hecke, and Johnson was ice-cold from the spot to make it 2-0.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Ewood Park.
Brice Samba: Made some big saves, including one to deny John Buckley in the first quarter of an hour. Not pleasant to see him having an object thrown in his direction when in front of the home fans in the second half. Rating: 8.5/10
Joe Worrall: Led by example as he stood firm amid strong pressure. Back line had a few hairy moments against a top team, but can take a lot from a fine clean-sheet. Rating: 8/10
Steve Cook: Made some vital interventions as he cut out a couple of really dangerous crosses. Had to be on his toes as the hosts looked dangerous. Rating: 8.5/10
Scott McKenna: Could have single-handedly kept Rovers at bay with the way he defended. A one-man brick wall with two crucial goal-saving blocks. Rating: 9/10
Djed Spence: Pulled out all the tricks with a Rabona cross. Pace, as always, was a useful weapon as Blackburn had no chance of catching him. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Close to getting on the scoresheet in the second half. Worked tirelessly in a frantic game, always trying to get the visitors on the front foot. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: Had to walk a bit of a tightrope with a needless yellow card in the first half. Really got stuck in, though, and was alert enough to help out the defence when required. Rating: 8/10
Max Lowe: Had his work cut out when Rovers pushed forward, but stood strong. Always a consistent performer for the Reds. Rating: 8/10
James Garner: Talk about nerves of steel. Incredible composure to net his second of the season. Some lovely passes, too. Just a shame he picked up a careless booking. Rating: 8/10
Brennan Johnson: Ice-cold from the penalty spot to put the game to bed. Just reward for another very good display from the youngster. Rating: 8.5/10
Keinan Davis: Outstanding. Rovers had to resort to cynically hacking him down at times as they just couldn’t handle him. Assist for Garner’s goal was absolutely superb. Rating: 9/10
Subs
Sam Surridge (for Davis, 69mins): A real livewire. Had a couple of really good chances to put the game to bed, but still won the penalty. Just needed a goal to show for his efforts. Rating: 7.5/10
Xande Silva (for Johnson 90+3mins): Barely got on the pitch before the whistle blew on a huge win. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Figueiredo, Zinckernagel, Laryea, Cafu.
