Nottingham Forest moved into the play-off spots as they toppled Coventry City 2-0 at the City Ground.
Steve Cooper’s side found a way to win on a night when they were not quite at their best. Goals from Brennan Johnson and James Garner clinched a big three points to move the hosts into the top-six.
It was something of a disjointed start by the Reds, but they went into the break a goal to the good. And it was that man Johnson again who forced the breakthrough.
Read more: Re-live the action from the City Ground
Read more: Forest boss Cooper names his team to face Coventry
Clearcut chances were in short supply for either side during a scrappy first half. Some questionable officiating by referee Tim Robinson didn’t exactly help matters either.
Viktor Gyokeres and Callum O’Hare had early efforts for the visitors. The former dragged his well wide, while his teammate fired straight at Brice Samba, who had kept his place between the posts.
Djed Spence had carved out an opportunity for Forest just past the 10-minute mark. He burst into the box but couldn’t find Keinan Davis or Philip Zinckernagel with his pass.
Zinckernagel then had a shot charged down on the edge of the area, following good work by Jack Colback. But it was taking a while for the hosts to get going.
When the opener came in the 25th minute, it was slightly against the run of play. Colback did brilliantly again, linking up with Davis and then sending an inviting ball across the face of goal. It looked as though Coventry were going to keep it out as the ball got stuck against the post, but Johnson managed to force it over the line at the second attempt.
The Sky Blues still had their moments before the break, with Jamie Allen hitting an attempt straight at Samba. However, Forest, too, had been positive in what was proving to be a hard-fought, close contest.
Ben Sheaf stung the palms of Samba soon after the interval. But it was 2-0 soon after the hour.
Davis was the architect as he played in James Garner. And the Manchester United loanee absolutely lashed the ball into the roof of the net with a fine finish.
He was off target with another attempt in the final 10 minutes, as was substitute Lewis Grabban, while Ryan Yates hit the bar.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Brice Samba: Kept his place between the posts, and kept a clean-sheet to repay the manager’s faith. Distribution adds something extra to the Reds’ game. Rating: 7.5/10
Joe Worrall: Coventry had the makings of being tricky opponents, and they did look dangerous at times. Helped to organise a solid back line for a welcome shut-out. Rating: 7.5/10
Tobias Figueiredo: Going to be tough to leave him out of the team at this rate. An absolute rock at the back, with some really determined defending to keep City at bay. Rating: 8.5/10
Scott McKenna: Seems to be growing in confidence when it comes to the attacking side of his game. Some more lovely passes - and not at the expense of his defending, either. Rating: 8/10
Djed Spence: Pace always makes him a threat, even if the defender wasn’t quite at his most dangerous. Testament to Forest that they still found a way to win when not at their best. Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan Yates: Battled away in what was a hard-fought encounter. Close to getting on the scoresheet late on as he hit the bar - just as Forest fans sang, ‘if Yatesy scores, we’re in the Trent’. Rating: 7.5/10
James Garner: Terrific finish to double the hosts’ lead. He really whalloped the ball into the roof of the net with his left foot. Forest needed that, too. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: Superb ball across the face of goal for the opener, it was just calling out to be finished off. Had a few moments like that. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: The bow and arrow celebration was back for his 15th of the season. What a goal return that is. Maintained his composure to force the ball home as the visitors did their best to keep it out. Rating: 7.5/10
Philip Zinckernagel: Involved in some positive moments, just couldn’t quite get them to come off. Seemed to be one of those nights for the winger. Rating: 6/10
Keinan Davis: Barely got any change out of the referee, despite some bruising encounters, but that didn’t stop him. And nor could Coventry, with his strength posing all sorts of problems. Brilliant work for the second goal. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Joe Lolley (for Zinckernagel, 58mins): Really sharp from off the bench. Asked questions of the visitors with plenty of positive play. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Davis, 78mins): Fresh legs posed a different threat for the Sky Blues. Couldn’t add to his tally on this occasion, though. Rating: 7/10
Lewis Grabban (for Johnson, 78mins): Will benefit from getting more minutes. Helped manage the final minutes of a big win. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Laryea, Mighten, Cafu.
