Nottingham Forest climbed to third in the Championship table as they beat Birmingham City 2-0.
Goals from Keinan Davis and Scott McKenna completed a perfect week for the Reds. Three wins from three since the international break.
The hosts got off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring with five minutes on the clock. It was a terrific goal, too.
Read more: Re-live the action from the City Ground
Read more: Steve Cooper names his Forest team to face Blues
Philip Zinckernagel did well to win the ball and feed Brennan Johnson, who played it to Davis. The Aston Villa loanee then powered down the left flank and smashed a low shot beyond Neil Etheridge from a tight angle into the far bottom corner. He seemed to enjoy celebrating in front of the away fans afterwards.
Forest continued to be positive before the break. James Garner was a whisker away from doubling their lead in the 40th minute, with a curling effort which flew inches past the far post.
The Blues did have a spell of possession around the half-hour, but it was largely comfortable for the Reds in the first half. A tame effort from Taylor Richards resulted in a routine save from Brice Samba.
Ryan Yates and Davis forced saves from Etheridge early in the second half, while Johnson fired wide before the hour. It was McKenna who eventually made the game safe with 10 minutes to go, heading in a Garner corner. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Brice Samba: A comfortable afternoon for the shot-stopper, with mostly routine saves to make. Helped to get the team going with his passing. Rating: 7/10
Joe Worrall: Another clean-sheet in what has been a big week. Maintained concentration throughout to give the visitors very little. Some nice link-up with Spence at times, too. Rating: 8/10
Tobias Figueiredo: Made a brilliant tackle to thwart Scott Hogan in the box. Hasn’t put a foot wrong since coming back into the side. Rating: 8/10
Scott McKenna: ‘You’ll never beat McKenna’ rang out after a thumping header from the Scot. His second of the season, and he enjoyed celebrating that one. Rating: 8.5/10
Djed Spence: Really looked up for this one as he made some great bursts down the right and was involved in some lovely moves. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Forced a good save with a strong effort in the second half. Really got stuck in to help out the back line when they needed it. Rating: 8/10
James Garner: Posed a threat with his set-pieces throughout, getting an assist for McKenna’s goal. Was desperately close to getting on the scoresheet for the second match running. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: Steady as ever defensively, helping to snuff out any Blues attacks when they had a spell of possession in the first half. Pushed forward well, too. Rating: 8/10
Brennan Johnson: Pace had the Blues on the back foot on several occasions. A neat ball to set Davis on his way to opening the scoring. Rating: 8/10
Philip Zinckernagel: Did well to win the ball to set up the attack for the opener, pressuring the visitors from the off. Teed up Johnson in the second half, too. Always tried to be positive. Rating: 8/10
Keinan Davis: Outstanding goal. Outstanding performance. Well and truly had the measure of the Birmingham defence, who just couldn’t live with him. Rating: 9/10
Subs
Lewis Grabban (for Johnson, 81mins): Still waiting for his first start since recovering from injury, but pressed his case again with a bright cameo. Rating: 7.5/10
Joe Lolley (for Zinckernagel, 81mins): Almost made an immediate impact, appealing for a handball after delivering a good cross into the area. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Davis, 81mins): Lively as ever from off the bench. Continues to do all he can to get into the XI. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Laryea, Mighten, Cafu.
