Forest escape the drop zone at Ipswich but wonder how they didn’t win

Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams in action during the Premier League match. — NurPhoto pic via AFP

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 9:52 AM MYT

LONDON, Oct 24 — Nottingham Forest climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 1-1 draw away to Ipswich on Friday.

The result could have been so much better for the visitors, with Forest missing several chances at Portman Road as a defensive error gifted Ipswich their equaliser.

Oliver Glasner’s men were the dominant side for much of the game and Forest deservedly went ahead in the 13th minute when Neco Williams turned in Daniel Munoz’s right-wing cross at the back post for his first Forest goal since April.

The returning Morgan Gibbs-White had an effort saved by the toe of Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton before Leif Davis hacked the ball off the line.

Having been in control, Forest were undone in the 41st minute when a dawdling Nikola Milenkovic produced a backpass that was too short, with Julio Enciso seizing on the loose ball to slot past Forest keeper Matz Sels.

Forest thought they had a penalty early in the second half when midfielder James McAtee was brought down by Issa Diop.

Referee Thomas Bramall initially waved play on but the VAR recommended an on-field review for a red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

After reviewing the footage, Bramall decided to award a yellow card and a free-kick, explaining McAtee “had knocked the ball to the right side of the goal”.

An energised Forest then missed several chances as they went in search of what would have been just their second league win of the season following a poor start to the campaign under former Crystal Palace manager Glasner.

The unmarked Murillo headed a corner wide, Dan Ndoye had an effort cleared off the line and former Ipswich striker Liam Delap headed over from six yards and whipped a low shot just wide.

The point moved Forest above Coventry and Tottenham into 16th place on six points, although they could yet end the weekend back in the bottom three. Ipswich are ninth. — AFP