YATES HANDS REDS A BOOST

RYAN Yates secured a second successive win for Nottingham Forest as they overcame struggling Rotherham United with a 1-0 victory at the New York Stadium.

The midfielder pounced to slot past Viktor Johansson in the second half after the Millers had failed to clear their lines to seal what was another vital three points.

It was the first time a Forest side had won in this part of South Yorkshire since a 2-1 victory back in 2002.

For a long time, this game looked destined to be goalless following a first half in which neither side created many clear-cut chances.

The Reds, playing in their blue away kit, were certainly the better side in possession and Glenn Murray did have the ball in the net when he rose to meet a Gaetan Bong cross,.

But as soon as he made his move the referee’s assistant immediately held his flag up for offside.

Indeed, Forest’s best chances in the first half came from distance when Cyrus Christie, who was excellent in the opening 45 minutes, cut inside from the left, but drilled just wide of the post.

And just before half-time, Anthony Knockaert forced Viktor Johansson into a sprawling save to his right with an excellent free-kick after Filip Krovinovic had been fouled.

But the game began to open up after the break and Knockaert forced an excellent save from Johansson before Yates gave Forest the lead with an instinctive finish.

Rotherham came back strongly with Ben Wiles drilling across the face of goal while Freddie Ladapo, on as a substitute, slipping at a crucial moment when he looked destined to equalise.

But Forest came close to a second when substitute Lyle Taylor hit the side netting after a powerful run.

However, the bar came to the Reds’ rescue when Michael Smith saw his header hit the woodwork as Forest clung on to all three points.

PICTURES: PA/GETTY Ryan Yates popped up at the right moment to net Nottingham Forest’s match winner at the New York Stadium

Brice Samba was at full stretch late on to claw away a Michael Smith attempt

Substitute Lyle Taylor almost doubled the visitor’s lead late on

Glenn Murray, who had a first-half header ruled out for offside, again goes close for the visitors

Forest’s Anthony Knockaert and Rotherham’s Ben Wiles tussle for the ball

Filip Krovinovic holds off United’s Daniel Barlaser