Awoniyi On Target As Forest Beat Brentford 2-0
Nottingham Forest gave their hopes of Premier League survival a major boost with a hard-fought win against Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium.
Goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi proved decisive in a victory that moved them level on points with 16th-placed Leeds United, but crucially five clear of third-bottom West Ham.
Brentford began brightly and were unlucky not to open the scoring after just 94 seconds with Igor Thiago poking wide.
But the visitors struck in the 12th minute when Igor Jesus found the far corner in style after initially controlling on his chest before swivelling and volleying beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
The hosts had ample warning the Brazilian required closer attention, having seen him spurn another opportunity five minutes earlier.
Forest had won just three of their previous 11 away Premier League games prior to Sunday’s encounter and retreated into their shell after going in front as nerves started settled in.
Substitute Sepp van den Berg, who replaced injured defender Kristoffer Ajer in the 37th minute, was inches away from an equaliser on the stroke of half-time after heading narrowly wide.
The Bees dominated possession and territory after the break but failed to register a single shot on target.
Igor Thiago went closest with a half volley that strayed wide in the final 15 minutes as Forest held on tightly to their narrow advantage.
With time running out, Brentford were caught on the counter when Awoniyi showed strength to hold off a defender before finishing through Kelleher’s legs for his first league goal in a year.