Nottingham Forest defeated Cardiff City at the City Ground to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2018.
The Reds scored in the third minute through Lyle Taylor and held on to deny the Bluebirds.
It was a pretty cagey contest in all fairness but Forest produced a professional display on home soil.
Cardiff started with Harry Wilson and Josh Murphy on the flanks but Forest’s solidity restricted them to half chances.
Hughton took the opportunity to have a look at some of his fringe players and they didn’t let him down.
Following a steady win at the City Ground, we looked at the performance of the players and marked them out of 10.
Jordan Smith – 7
Came in for Brice Samba and made two comfortable saves in the second half.
Carl Jenkinson – 7
A rare start or the right-back but he looked steady up against the lively Murphy and later on, Junior Hoillet.
Joe Worrall – 8
A stunning performance from the Reds skipper who made a crucial challenge late on to deny the Bluebirds an equaliser.
Scott McKenna – 8
Like his defensive partner, the Scot was a standout performer. Is a long-term partnership brewing?
Gaetan Bong – 8
Set up the goal and displayed a calm and composed persona. Were Forest supporters wrong to write him off after two games?
Cafu – 6
Struggled to get going on a largely frustrating afternoon for the Portuguese loanee.
Harry Arter – 7
A much better performance from the summer signing. He has found himself sidelined recently but this was a performance that suggested he wants his place back.
Joe Lolley – 6
Did okay in the first half but faded badly in the second 45. Seems to be trying too hard and was extremely wasteful after half-time.
Miguel Angel Guerrero – 6
Started well but seemed to tire as the game wore on, It’s still unclear what he brings to the table for Forest.
Sammy Ameobi – 6
Another average showing for the Forest winger who is surely in danger of losing his place in the team.
Lyle Taylor – 7
Forest’s matchwinner was a constant menace in attack and took his timely goal with aplomb.
Substitutes
Alex Mighten (Ameobi, 59′) – 7
Came on early in the second half and looked lively on the left-hand side.#
Ryan Yates (Guerrero, 66′) – 6
Shored things up nicely and helped Forest see out the victory.
Samba Sow (Arter, 85′) – N/A
Came on too late to make any real impact after Arter collected a knock in the closing stages.