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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

Nottingham Forest v Huddersfield Town player ratings: Surridge and Yates send Reds through in cup

Nottingham Forest progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 1996 as they toppled Huddersfield Town 2-1 at the City Ground.

Goals from Sam Surridge and Ryan Yates saw off the Terriers to set up a home tie with Premier League giants Liverpool in the next round.

A first half played at blistering pace saw the Reds lead 2-1 at the break, having come from behind on the banks of the Trent.

They had been on the front foot from the off, applying plenty of pressure on their opponents as a bumper crowd got right behind Steve Cooper’s men.

Surridge had an effort deflected wide within the first minute, before James Garner showed a delightful bit of skill to get a shot away on the turn, which Jamal Blackman saved.

The half threatened to turn on a controversial few minutes, though.

With 11 on the clock, Surridge thought he had opened his account for the club when he slotted in a Brennan Johnson cross. However, his celebrations were cut short as the offside flag was raised - a decision which appeared questionable at best.

To rub salt into the wound, the Terriers immediately went down the other end and scored; Tom Lees being left with a free header from a corner.

Still, this Forest side do not give up. And they weren’t about to fold on this occasion, either.

It took a little while for them to regain their composure after that suckerpunch, with Ethan Horvath having to deal with a long-range effort from Duane Holmes.

But the Reds soon got back to their usual selves, and they restored parity just before the half-hour.

Garner played a superb eye-of-the-needle through-ball for Yates to run on to. The midfielder was challenged in the area, but the ball fell perfectly for Surridge to finish with aplomb.

Horvath came to the rescue at the other end a few minutes later, making a very good stop to thwart Sorba Thomas after he had latched on to the rebound when Pipa’s strike crashed against the post.

But the hosts turned the game on its head with 36 minutes gone.

The delivery from Garner was again spot-on as he whipped in a free-kick. And Yates was there to thump in a powerful header for his sixth of the season - and his third goal in five games.

Huddersfield were quick out of the blocks after the restart, though, with Thomas hitting the side-netting early on.

And Horvath made two important saves to deny Danny Ward twice in the space of a few minutes with little more than quarter of an hour to go.

Djed Spence then missed a big chance to make it 3-1, blazing over at the far post after Keinan Davis had sent the ball across the face of goal.

Garner spurned another opportunity a few minutes later to put further gloss on the scoreline, but Forest nevertheless sealed their place in the next round.

Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Ethan Horvath: Deservedly kept his place after impressing in the last three games. Made some big saves at important times, and has given his manager a decision to make in the longer-term. Rating: 8/10

Joe Worrall: A bit of concern when he looked to have picked up a knock in the second half and required some treatment. Struggled for a bit after that, but it was always going to take a lot to get him off the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10

Steve Cook: Back line won’t be happy with the goal conceded, with Lees getting a free header. A steady presence in the defence aside from that, though, constantly encouraging his teammates. Rating: 8/10

Scott McKenna: Seems to have got the bit between his teeth in terms of pushing forward. Carried the ball well again. Stoic at the back, too. Rating: 8/10

Djed Spence: Missed a big chance to get on the scoresheet and wrap up the tie late on. Had some really bright moments in the first half especially, putting a few dangerous balls into the box. Rating: 7/10

James Garner: Absolutely ran the show in the centre of the pitch. Superb pass in the build-up to the equaliser, then teed up Yates perfectly for his goal. A shame he didn’t manage to find the net himself. Rating: 9/10

Ryan Yates: Outstanding. Some of his passing was exquisite and his all-round play was immense. Capped off an excellent night by continuing his purple patch in front of goal. Rating: 9/10

Max Lowe: Couldn’t quite get his passing radar going on this occasion, with some of his crosses not hitting the mark. Still, a little worrying when he went down injured. Rating: 6/10

Nottingham Forest's Sam Surridge celebrates scoring his side's first goal with team mate Brennan Johnson (PA)

Brennan Johnson: Was really lively in the first half as the Reds got a lot of joy down the right-hand side. Always capable of creating something, and definitely had his moments. Rating: 8/10

Sam Surridge: Really made the most of his first start for the club, benefitting from the extra minutes on the pitch. Would have had two goals to his name but for a questionable bit of officiating. Still, showed he has got a tidy finish on him. Rating: 8.5/10

Philip Zinckernagel: Found it tough to get into the game as he didn’t see a great deal of the ball. One of those nights where it just didn’t quite happen for him. Rating: 6/10

Subs

Jack Colback (for Zinckernagel, 64mins): Worked tirelessly, playing his part in another good cup victory. Rating: 7/10

Keinan Davis (for Surridge, 67mins): No doubt the last sight Huddersfield wanted to see. Caused plenty of problems while on the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10

Subs not used: Samba, Figueiredo, Laryea, Mighten, Cafu, Silva, Lolley.

What did you make of Forest's performance? Have your say in the comments below

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