Nottingham Forest improved their Premier League survival chances with a disciplined away win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi scored goals to give Forest an important three points, bringing them level with 16th-placed Leeds United and five points clear of the relegation zone, putting the pressure on teams behind them.

Brentford made a quick start and nearly took the lead after two minutes when Igor Thiago poked wide from close range.

That early error was costly. Forest took the lead in the 12th minute through Igor Jesus, who controlled the ball on his chest before whirling swiftly and volleying past Caoimhin Kelleher into the far corner.It was a well-deserved opener after the Brazilian came close moments before. After taking the lead, Forest dug deeper to maintain their advantage.

The visitors, who had only won three of their previous 11 away league games, displayed obvious indications of anxiety as Brentford raised the pressure.

Just before halftime, the hosts came close to equalising when substitute Sepp van den Berg, who replaced the injured Kristoffer Ajer, headed wide at the back post.

Brentford dominated possession after the break, but struggled to convert it into clear chances, failing to register a single attempt on target.

Igor Thiago came closest with a half-volley that went wide in the final stages.

As Brentford advanced in the closing minutes, Forest’s counterattack was decisive. Taiwo Awoniyi scored his first league goal in a year and sealed the victory by using his strength to shrug off a defender before finishing through Kelleher’s legs.

While Brentford was left to lament missed opportunities and a lack of cutting edge in the final third, Forest’s victory provides them newfound hope in their struggle for survival.

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