Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bristol City at the City Ground.
Goals from Brennan Johnson and James Garner ensured the Reds took all three points as they eased past their opponents with an entertaining display on the banks of the Trent.
The hosts were 1-0 up at the break after a positive first half - and they could have had more, but for some fine saves by Daniel Bentley.
The City stopper kept his team in it in the opening 45 minutes, with Forest’s performance chalk and cheese compared to Tuesday night’s flat display at Preston North End.
Bentley was called into action inside the first four minutes when Keinan Davis set up Djed Spence. The defender lashed a left-footed effort goalwards from outside the box, only to see it brilliantly tipped over the bar.
Four minutes later and Bentley thwarted the Reds again, this time getting down to his left to push away an acrobatic strike from Steve Cook from a corner.
Philip Zinckernagel curled a shot wide and Johnson spurned a decent chance after good work by Davis as the Reds continued to press.
Johnson felt he should have had a penalty on the half hour, when he went down under the challenge of Tomas Kalas, but he only got a yellow card for his troubles.
Still, he went on to open the scoring shortly after. The youngster showed terrific composure to send a fierce effort past Bentley from a tight angle, having been played in by Spence.
And it could have been 2-0 just before the interval, but Bentley intervened again, making another good save to thwart a close-range header from Davis.
At the other end of the pitch, Ethan Horvath didn’t have a great deal to do, with an Andreas Weimann effort, which was blocked by Scott McKenna, about as close as the Robins came.
The Reds, though, picked up from where they left off and doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half.
A fantastic run down the left by McKenna saw him link-up with Max Lowe to tee up Garner, who stroked it home for 2-0.
Zinckernagel had the opportunity to add another with 15 minutes to go when he went clean through, but Bentley rescued his team yet again.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Ethan Horvath: Confident when coming for balls into the box, just looked a bit nervous with the ball at his feet at times. Another clean-sheet to be pleased with, though. Taking his chance while Brice Samba is suspended. Rating: 7/10
Joe Worrall: A big contribution to another well-earned shut-out for the Reds. The skipper led by example in keeping his composure right to the end, weighing in with some important challenges. The Robins were kept well and truly at bay. Rating: 8/10
Steve Cook: Would have been a cracking way to net his first goal for the club had a fabulous acrobatic attempt early on beaten Daniel Bentley. Really positive pushing out from the back and near-enough flawless defensively. Rating: 8.5/10
Scott McKenna: Contribution for the second goal was something else. Terrific run down the left flank and neat link-up with Lowe. Made some big blocks at the other end of the pitch as well. Brilliant. Rating: 8.5/10
Djed Spence: Back to giving defenders nightmares with his rampaging runs again, after being quiet in midweek. A lovely assist for the opener, too. He was well up for this one. Rating: 8.5/10
Jack Colback: No question who won the midfield battle on this occasion. Dominated in the centre of the pitch, covering plenty of ground and ensuring the visitors barely got a look-in. Rating: 8.5/10
James Garner: Another well-taken goal to add to his collection, on an afternoon where he again showed his class. Cool and composed whenever he had the ball, looking to get on the front foot. Rating: 8.5/10
Max Lowe: One of the most consistent performers in this side. Got down the left side really well, including for Garner’s goal, and didn’t put a foot wrong at the back. Rating: 8/10
Philip Zinkernagel: Grew into the game and was involved in plenty of positive moments as he helped to provide the creativity Forest had lacked in midweek. Came close to getting on the scoresheet. Rating: 8/10
Brennan Johnson: Great finish for his 11th of the season, keeping his cool to make it six goals in his last eight games - some purple patch. Kept up the pressure on the Robins all afternoon. Rating: 8.5/10
Keinan Davis: Hold-up play was outstanding again, with his strength helping to create openings for his team. Deserved a goal, but was denied by a very good save. Standing ovation when he came off was testament to a brilliant performance. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Sam Surridge (for Davis, 73mins): A lively cameo appearance as he helped see out a much-needed win. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates (for Zinckernagel, 82mins): Looked sharp when he came on, trying to push forward in the final minutes. Rating: 7/10
Cafu (for Garner, 87mins): Good way to mark his birthday, coming on for the final minutes of a big victory. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Smith, Figueiredo, Mighten, Lolley.
