Nottingham Forest completed an incredible turnaround as they came from behind to beat fellow promotion-hopefuls QPR 3-1 at the City Ground.
Goals from Djed Spence, Ryan Yates and Brennan Johnson clinched a big three points for Steve Cooper’s side. It came courtesy of a brilliant second half from the home side.
On a sodden City Ground pitch, the hosts were left with work to do in the second half as they found themselves 1-0 down at the break. Andre Gray had opened the scoring in the 40th minute, with Forest left to rue some missed chances prior to that.
Read more: Recap Forest v QPR live updates from City Ground
Read more: Cooper names Forest team to face QPR
QPR had a decent opportunity of their own early on, though. Ethan Horvath made a good stop to thwart Lee Wallace with 10 minutes on the clock, following an inviting cross from Gray.
But the Reds recovered and began to get a grip on the game. Keinan Davis had an effort blocked, following a nice move involving Tobias Figueiredo, Djed Spence and Philip Zinckernagel. And then the Reds went even closer with 20 minutes gone.
Ryan Yates had two chances in quick succession. First, a header was thwarted by a strong save from David Marshall. And then the midfielder couldn’t quite direct an effort on target as he slid to get on the end of a Zinckernagel ball to the far post.
Just when it seemed as though Forest were on top, however, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough. Gray latched on to a pass from Chair and drove the ball beyond Horvath after turning Figueiredo, to put Rangers ahead.
Ten minutes into the second half, however, the hosts were level. And it was thanks to an absolutely incredible goal.
Teed up by Zinckernagel, Spence found himself in space - to cries of ‘shoot’ from the crowd. He did. And how.
It was a fabulous strike by the right-back. Hit with venom from range, it dipped and had Marshall scrambling as it sailed into the top corner for 1-1.
It could have been 2-1 soon after. More good work from Spence set up a chance for Brennan Johnson, who fired wide. And Davis did the same a few minutes later.
The front man then had another decent opportunity following excellent play by Spence. Davis planted his header wide, though.
With seven minutes to go, however, it was 2-1 to the Reds. James Garner’s corner was flicked towards goal by Yates to give the hosts the lead.
Johnson then made sure of the three points when he finished off a good move in the final minutes.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Ethan Horvath: Won’t want to watch a replay of the opener in a hurry. Had made a good stop early on, but will be disappointed with being beaten in that manner. Rating: 6/10
Joe Worrall: Perhaps a little culpable with the opening goal, but recovered his composure after that. Helped to drive the team forward. Always gives his all. Rating: 7/10
Tobias Figueiredo: Drafted into action for his first appearance since Boxing Day. Understandably looked a bit rusty. Unfortunate to slip for Gray’s goal, but still could have done better. Rating: 6/10
Scott McKenna: A concern to see the centre-back go down injured and have to come off, coming so soon after losing Steve Cook. Hopefully it doesn’t prove to be anything serious. Rating: 7.5/10
Djed Spence: Special, special strike for the equaliser. There was no stopping that one, it was an absolute screamer. Plenty of good work after that to set up chances for others, too. Rating: 8.5/10
Ryan Yates: Given his recent form, you’d have bet on him scoring one of the two chances he had in the first half. Popped up right at the end, though - when it mattered. Rating: 8.5/10
James Garner: Worked hard throughout and kept plugging away, even when things weren’t going Forest’s way. Caused problems with some of his set-pieces. Rating: 7.5/10
Jack Colback: Forced to fill in at left wing-back again. Did a decent job, as he always does - even if it isn’t where he’s most comfortable. Can’t question his commitment to the cause. Rating: 7/10
Philip Zinckernagel: Involved in some positive moments in the first half, even if they didn’t quite always come off. Just needs to get back to stamping his authority on games more. Rating: 6/10
Brennan Johnson: Had been having a quiet game. But is always capable of getting in on the action even when he’s not been at his best. That goal should give him a confidence boost. Rating: 7/10
Keinan Davis: Was tightly marked by a QPR side who were more than a little cynical at times. Came close a couple of times in the second half, and deserved a goal for all his effort. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs
Joe Lolley (for McKenna, 79mins): A lively cameo appearance in which he played his part in the third goal - great to see. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Davis, 79mins): Another bright run-out from the front man. Involved in a lovely move for Johnson’s goal. Rating: 7.5/10
Cafu (for Zinckernagel, 84mins): Never shies away from the challenge. Helped drive the team to a big win in the closing minutes. Rating: 7.5/10
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Subs not used: Samba, Laryea, Mighten, Silva.
