Nottingham Forest 1-2 Bristol City (EFL Championship) 03.10.20

It was an agonising defeat for Forest at the City Ground who battled to bash down the Bristol City door but a sloppy start proved costly for the Reds who are still without a point from their four Championship matches played.

Forest might have actually got off to the perfect start but for a fantastic save by Bentley in the opening minute as new signing Ioannou crossed for young Alex Mighten who’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by the Robins goalkeeper. Ten minutes later however it was the perfect start for Bristol City who scored with their first real attack as Weimann smashed home from twelve yards out after the ball was played back to him.

Arter tested Bentley in an attempt to level the score before a fine save by Samba at the other end denied Chris Martin but on 22 minutes it was 2-0 to the visitors as Nakhi Wells pounced onto Martin’s knock down to smash home.

Forest did however pull one back as former Bristol City midfielder Luke Freeman unleashed a fierce right footed drive from distance into the top corner and Grabban might have levelled things up soon after as he hit wide from a tight angle.

Under grey and wet skies the Reds came out in the second half with even more intent and pressed for a leveller immediately, Ioannou again crossing for Mighten but the goalkeeper intercepted to put out for a corner. Grabban then headed wide from Freeman’s cross before Christie forced Bentley to save his driven effort before the Robins goalkeeper was called upon again as he kept out Colback’s close range effort when he looked certain to score.

On 68 minutes Mighten’s shot deflected wide before substitute Lyle Taylor was next to be denied by Bentley, the Reds playing well but unable to convert their chances.

Taylor again flashed an opportunity wide before Samba was forced to save from Semeyo and as time ran down a last chance to Freeman couldn’t be converted as his shot was deflected wide.

In the end it was City clinging on but they stay top from four wins out of four as the Reds will look back on poor defensive errors early doors and not being able to take the opportunities that went their way, a better performance, but is ‘better’ good enough for a team without a point and in the relegation zone?

Nottingham Forest: Samba, Christie, Mbe Soh, Blackett, Ioannou, Arter (Sow 68), Colback, Mighten (Taylor 68), Freeman, Ameobi (Da Costa 59), Grabban.

Bristol City: Bentley, Vyner, Moore, Mawson, Hunt, Paterson (Brunt 77), Bakinson, Weimann, Rowe, Martin (Diedhiou 81), Wells (Semenyo 68).

Venue: City Ground

*Main image @NFFC Luke Freeman scores his first goal for Forest.