Nottingham Forest 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday: Yuri Ribeiro strikes as Forest beat Owls to end winless run
- Published
Yuri Ribeiro's first-half goal was his first for Forest
Nottingham Forest earned a first win in eight matches as Yuri Ribeiro's early goal set them on their way to victory over bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday.
Ribeiro's sweet strike was a rare highlight in an edgy first half between two struggling sides low on confidence as well as points.
Lyle Taylor twice went close to adding to the lead, while the visitors were a fraction away from levelling just before the break when Adam Reach was unable to connect at the far post with the goal gaping.
The Reds had the better of the second period, threatening from a couple of set-pieces and defending without alarm.
But there were very few chances until the hosts wrapped up the points when substitute Lewis Grabban made a welcome return to action from injury by smashing in a delightful second goal with the outside of his foot.
Forest's fourth win in 19 Championship matches takes them three points clear of the relegation zone and seven points ahead of the Owls.
The home side's miserable run had yielded just one point from their past seven games and their record against the Owls did little to boost their belief, the visitors having won five of their previous six visits to the City Ground.
Both teams have already sacked their managers this season. But while Chris Hughton's Reds played with increasing confidence, Pulis' team barely threatened and managed just one effort on target and have just two points in seven games under the former Stoke boss.
Wednesday's best opening saw Reach just fail to get on the end of a glancing Josh Windass header from Barry Bannan's teasing cross.
The Reds created the clearer opportunities, Taylor having the best of them with an effort that was hacked away from the line following a sumptuous move.
Grabban's first goal ensured there was to be no late pain for the hosts but a furious Pulis was adamant there was a foul in the build up as Grabban robbed Tom Lees of possession before crashing in his first goal of the season.
Nottingham Forest manager Chris Hughton told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"It's a big relief. It's been tough I must admit and it's been tough on the players as well.
"With regard to endeavour and effort in certain games I can't fault them for that.
"I think we've just struggled at both ends and put ourselves under pressure. Getting the first goal early tonight certainly settled us and I think we played a really good game."
Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Sheffield Wednesday:
"The goal at the beginning was really poor; it gave them a start.
"We recovered from it and controlled big periods of that first half. We never created enough from the possession we had, but we were in control.
"In the second half we didn't come out with any zip. We made a few changes but the changes didn't help us.
"For the second goal, the challenge on Tom Lees was a disgrace. It should have been a red card and they scored the second goal from it. It was an appalling decision."