Bristol City 0-0 Nottingham Forest (EFL Championship) 10.04.21

It was honours even in the West Country for the third year in a row and for the second year between the two teams, a scoreless draw and one that arguably both Managers Chris Hughton and Nottingham born Nigel Pearson will be happy with, as the two sides on show edge ever-nearer to safety and security of Championship football for another season.

The Reds continue their own recent form to go four unbeaten whilst City end a run of three successive defeats, a point a piece, one that was satisfactory and the minimum requirement for both camps.

A good start for Forest saw Knockaert trying his luck from the edge of the area in the opening ten minutes but the Frenchman’s effort sailed wide of Bentley’s post. The away side saw plenty of early possession and on 27 minutes created the best open-play opportunity of the half when Garner found Mighten inside the area only for the teenage winger to see his effort cannon off the post.

As the interval approached, ex-Red Hanri Lansbury curled a superb free kick over the wall which also ended up hitting the woodwork, goalless at half-time with both sides coming close to taking the lead but for a piece of wood.

The second half saw Garner try his luck from range on 52, high and wide of the Robins goal the best of a tense opening, at the other end Bristol City might have had a shout for a penalty when Semenyo went down after putting the ball through Worrall’s legs, on 77 Christie shot low and on target, well saved by Bentley at his near post and in the dying seconds, Luke Freeman connected brilliantly to volley inches over in what would have been a remarkable return to Ashton Gate for the former City player.

The result leaves City in 14^th and Forest in 15^th both having played 41 matches with five left to play, the Reds are now on 49 points for the season, thirteen points above Rotherham in 22^nd who have four games in hand.

Bristol City: Bentley, Simpson (Hunt 82), Vyner, Kalas, Rowe, Lansbury (Bakinson 80), Massengro, Pearson (Diedhiou 72), Semenyo, Palmer, Wells (Conway 72).

Nottingham Forest: Samba, Christie, Worrall, McKenna, Blackett, Yates, Garner, Knockaert, Krovinovic (Cafu 84), Mighten (Freeman 88), Grabban (Taylor 76).

Venue: Ashton Gate

*Main image @NFFC Filip Krovinovic in action in a scoreless draw.