10-man Nottingham Forest battle back for Brentford draw

The Bees looked set for their first league win in five games after Moussa Niakhate was sent-off and Christian Norgaard headed in the resulting free-kick. But Forest fought back despite their numerical disadvantage thanks to Nicolas Dominguez's looping header on his home debut.

A share of the spoils keeps Forest one point ahead of Brentford in 11th and 13th respectively in the Premier League table. Steve Cooper's men nearly got off to a flying start when Taiwo Awoniyi turned home a corner at the back post, but was rightly flagged offside.

Brentford have struggled in the absence of suspended striker Ivan Toney due to breaches of betting regulations. But the visitors were nearly gifted the opening goal by Forest 'keeper Matt Turner. The former Arsenal stopper was caught in possession by Yoane Wissa and bailed out by a goal-line clearance by Willy Boly.

Forest's luck looked like it had run out when Niakhate was shown a second yellow card for catching Wissa 11 minutes into the second-half. Norgaard then headed home Mathias Jensen's cross to put Brentford in front.

The lead lasted just seven minutes, though, as Dominguez headed in Harry Toffolo's cross. Forest then saw out 13 minutes of added time to cling on to what could be a vital point in securing another season of Premier League football.

 

October 1, 2023