RESULT! Clough’s joy as cool Cauley nets winner
NEWCASTLE: result means they are only ahead of Brighton on goal difference and just six points clear of third-placed Huddersfield.
Benitez’s side were lacklustre as Fulham’s slick counter-attacks repeatedly cut them to ribbons and the lack of pace within their defence was apparent as they were unable to keep tabs on Sessegnon or Sone Aluko.
Benitez said: “We knew it could be a difficult game but we started making mistakes and we paid for that.
“Fulham are a good team – they passed the ball well and they have FULHAM: CAULEY WOODROW fired home his third goal of the season to grab a precious victory for Burton.
The Fulham loanee swept home a free-kick after 26 minutes after Jackson Irvine had been upended by Joe Worrall.
The ball went through a flimsy Forest wall and left keeper Jordan Smith flapping as the strike flew past him.
Albion had been the better side up to that point and they could have extended their lead soon afterwards, with Lasse Vigen Christensen and Irvine both seeing shots go over.
Forest rarely threatened in the first 45 minutes although the lively Zach Clough was twice guilty of scuffing efforts wide of the Burton goal.
Ben Brereton was kept out at the near post by home keeper Jon McLaughlin and Ross McCormack volleyed well wide from Ben Osborn’s free-kick in stoppage time.
Forest were far better in the second half and David Vaughan drilled a 25-yard effort just wide before substitute Matty Cash was denied after linking up with Brereton by an outstanding challenge from defender John Brayford.
Danny Fox then smashed a long-range effort wide and Osborn tricked his way into the box before seeing his chance hacked away by the impressive Kyle McFadzean.
Albion boss Nigel Clough said: “I don’t think we played very well at times but that was a very important three points.
“We nicked a goal in the first half with the free-kick and then we defended again as if our lives depended on it and that’s what got us the victory.”
Forest boss Gary Brazil said: “It was a very disappointing result. I thought the game was a dour affair and there wasn’t a great deal in it.”