PLAYER RATINGS

BRICE SAMBA:

Two poor goals conceded. The Reds keeper should have done better with the cross for the first. Did make some decent saves, but also looked shaky. 4/10

DJED SPENCE:

Not the easiest of games for a debut, against a physical Cardiff team. Generally did OK. Good at getting forward and put in some decent crosses. 5/10

JOE WORRALL:

Defence had their work cut out all afternoon. Made some big blocks and cleared one effort off the line. A new-look back line had some difficult moments, though. 6/10

SCOTT MCKENNA:

Had to put his body on the line as the visitors applied plenty of pressure. Looked strong in the first half, but Cardiff turned the screw once they’d equalised. 6/10

MAX LOWE:

A promising first appearance, despite the final scoreline. Offered a good outlet down the left, busting a gut to make a superb run for the opener. 6/10

JAMES GARNER:

Forest needed him to get on the ball more. A quiet game by the Manchester United loanee’s standards, albeit he did go close with a free kick late on. 5/10

RYAN YATES:

Midfield as a whole found it tough to get a grip on the game in the second half, particularly, as the Reds lost their way. Some sloppy passes and lack of concentration didn’t help his team’s cause. 5/10

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL:

Tried to make things happen with a few attempts at goal – with a couple blocked and one off target. Just didn’t have his shooting boots on, on this occasion. 5/10

BRENNAN JOHNSON:

When he got on the ball, had Cardiff backtracking with his pace down the left. Linked up well with Lowe. Those bright moments went missing in a poor second half all round. 5.5/10

LYLE TAYLOR:

Hold-up play wasn’t there when his team needed it to be. Worked hard without making a significant impact on the game. 4/10

LEWIS GRABBAN:

Lethal from that kind of range when given the right supply. Made his only real chance count with a fine finish. Forest needed more of those openings. 5/10