Nottingham Forest won at home for the second time in succession as they despatched in-form Brentford 2-1 at the City Ground.
Goals from Lewis Grabban and Molla Wague handed the Reds a vital win and lifted Martin O’Neill’s team up to ninth in the Championship.
Sergi Canos pulled one back late in the day for the Bees, but they tasted defeat for the first time in 11 games in all competitions.
Following a disciplined performance, Seat Pitch rated the Forest players out of 10 as follows…
Costel Pantilimon – 6
A strange afternoon for the Romanian. His saves kept Brentford at bay in the first half but let a couple spill from his grasp in the second, that he was fortunate to get away with.
Saidy Janko – 6
A steady afternoon for the Swiss defender. Dealt with everything that was thrown at him relatively well.
Alexander Milosevic – 8
A stunning home debut from the recent recruit. The Swede did fantastically well to keep the prolific Neal Maupay in check.
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Jack Robinson – 7
Worked well in tandem with Milosevic and the duo’s competence contributed to a fine victory. The 25-year-old’s versatility is proving a useful attribute for Forest.
Ben Osborn – 7
Probably Osborn’s best game at left-back for the Reds. Does occasionally drift to the centre which leaves Forest exposed on the left, but all in all a good performance.
Ben Watson – 6
Kept things simple and was aided by having young Yates next to him to take care of the running. Watson has looked like he can still do a job in two successive home games now, although he was somewhat wasteful in possession yesterday.
Matty Cash – 6
Not Cash’s best afternoon as he struggled to get into any sort of rhythm. Once again not short of effort though as he ran himself into the ground.
Leo Bonatini – 6
The Brazilian was withdrawn at half-time and he won’t want to see his gilt-edged miss from the first-half again. After Lolley had cut back it seemed a certain goal, but Bonatini fired wide of the target.
Ryan Yates – 9 – SEAT PITCH STAR MAN
This was a dream for academy graduate Yates in his maiden league start. The youngster looked like a player that had played 100 first-team games. Threw himself into every tackle and didn’t look out of place in a Championship game of football.
Joe Lolley – 8
Lolley gave Brentford defender Ezri Konsa a torrid time with his blistering pace. His swirling corner had goalkeeper Daniel Bentley all ends up, allowing Molla Wague to nod home.
Lewis Grabban – 8
Led the line with aplomb. This performance has been a long time coming for Grabban who netted his first goal for two months. Probably won’t get another taste of life on spot-kick duties after missing penalty number four for the campaign.