Nottingham Forest 2 – 1 Brentford: Player ratings as Forest secure vital win

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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.

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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.

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The Brazilian was withdrawn at half-time and he won’t want to see his gilt-edged miss from the first-half again.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.

Substitutions

Diogo Goncalves (Bonatini, 46′) – 6

Molla Wague (Cash, 70) – 7

Karim Ansarifard (Grabban, 87) – 6