Britt Assombalonga double earns crucial victory for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are on the verge of signing Ross McCormack from Aston Villa but Britt Assombalonga reminded everyone of his talents as he fired his side to a 2-0 win over Rotherham.
Villa misfit McCormack was expected to sign on loan before the transfer deadline and Forest fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of a partnership with Assombalonga, whose second-half double at the City Ground earned just a second win in 11 Championship games.
It gave Forest extra reason to cheer after Nigel Clough turned down the chance to manage the club on Monday and caretaker Gary Brazil sees his side move eight points above the dropzone.
Rotherham's three-season stay in the second tier is hanging by a thread as 12 points off safety and with just 16 points all season they are certain to go down to League One.
Forest might consider themselves in danger of joining them after their terrible run and their fragility showed as Rotherham had chances to capitalise early on.
Both fell to Jon Taylor, first he shot from distance when he should have passed and then another drilled effort was saved by goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
The game descended into a turgid affair, but Forest began to find their feet as the first half neared its conclusion.
Millers defender Joe Mattock almost put through his own net when his headed clearance went just wide before the best chance of the game came in the 41st minute and only a superb save by Richard O'Donnell kept the scores level.
The ball fell to Jamie Ward in an inviting position 16 yards out and he made a sweet connection with his first-time shot but O'Donnell superbly tipped it around the post.
Forest built on that momentum and earned the lead five minutes after the restart.
Rotherham failed to clear a cross and when Richard Wood clumsily went through the back of Assombalonga, the referee pointed to the spot, with the Forest striker stepping up to stroke home the penalty for his first goal since November.
The Millers, who have won just one point on the road all season, should have levelled when Danny Ward fired straight at Henderson from eight yards out and Forest made them pay three minutes later.
A quick break down the right saw Jamie Ward put in an inviting cross which Assombalonga easily slid into the empty net.
That killed the game as a contest and Forest saw it out with ease, as things hotted up off the field, with several deals, including the marquee arrival of McCormack, hoping to get done.
Source : PA
Source: PA