Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Report

Scorers:  Wood 48’ (P)

Nottingham Forest edged past Ipswich Town with a 1-0 victory at the City Ground, thanks to Chris Wood’s second-half penalty.

The result lifted Forest to sixth in the Premier League (PL) and continued Ipswich’s dismal record at the venue, where they’ve now gone 15 matches this millennium without a win.

First Half: Chances Without Goals

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Forest looking to capitalize on their strong home form. Within the opening minute, Morgan Gibbs-White came close, heading just wide from a corner. Five minutes later, Forest nearly broke the deadlock in dramatic fashion.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, unmarked at the back post, saw his shot blocked, and Ryan Yates’ powerful follow-up from the edge of the box was heroically cleared off the line by Ipswich’s Sammie Szmodics.

Ipswich grew into the game and almost struck first midway through the half when Cameron Burgess rose highest from a corner, only to see his header cleared off the line by Ola Aina.

Omari Hutchinson then tested Matz Sels with a low drive following a neat link-up with Liam Delap, but the Forest goalkeeper was equal to the task, ensuring a goalless first half.

Second Half: Wood’s Penalty Breaks the Deadlock

Forest wasted no time asserting themselves after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Jota Silva was clipped by Szmodics inside the penalty area, giving the hosts the perfect chance to take the lead.

Chris Wood stepped up and smashed his spot-kick down the middle, leaving Arijanet Muric helpless.

The goal not only secured the lead but also saw Wood equal Bryan Roy’s record as Forest’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 24 goals.

The opener seemed to energize Forest, who pushed for a second. Muric produced a stunning double save to keep Ipswich in the game, denying Silva and Yates in quick succession. Despite Forest’s dominance, the failure to find a second goal left the home crowd biting their nails as Ipswich threw everything forward in the dying stages.

Nervy Finish but Forest Hold On

Ipswich’s late surge made for a tense finale, but Forest’s defense, backed by a roaring City Ground crowd, held firm. The victory marked another chapter in Forest’s remarkable start to the season, which sees them level on points with Arsenal and Chelsea.

With challenging fixtures against Manchester United and Manchester City looming, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will look to continue their unlikely ascent.

Conclusion: Forest’s Resilience Shines as Ipswich’s Struggles Continue

Chris Wood’s decisive penalty and Forest’s defensive grit earned them three valuable points, extending their unbeaten home streak against Ipswich.

As the Tractor Boys remain winless at the City Ground since 1999, Forest’s best top-flight start in 29 years keeps their European dreams alive.

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Nottm Forest v Ipswich, 2024/25 | Premier League