Forest returned to Premier League action on Wednesday evening with a trip to face Southampton at St Mary’s.
Steve Cooper named an unchanged side from the team that earned a 1-1 draw against Chelsea last time out, with Gustavo Scarpa coming into the matchday squad for the first time after being named among the substitutes.
The hosts had the opening chance of the game on the south coast, Ché Adams being played into the penalty area but couldn’t steer an effort on target as the ball dropped wide of Dean Henderson’s left-hand post.
Forest responded moments later, Taiwo Awoniyi’s cross from the left found Ryan Yates before the ball fell for Brennan Johnson inside the box but the Wales international saw his strike hit the crossbar.
James Ward-Prowse looked to hit a trademark free-kick from 25 yards but couldn’t trouble Henderson with his curling effort which drifted harmlessly over.
Three minutes before the half an hour mark, Forest were ahead. Johnson raced into the Saints’ penalty area before squaring for Awoniyi to finish first time from close range to give The Reds a deserved lead.
The hosts’ disappointing opening half continued as they were forced into an early change, central defender Bella-Kotchap making way for Ćaleta-Car after picking up an injury.
Remo Freuler was shown the game’s first booking for a challenge on Mohamed Elyounoussi in midfield before Johnson and Romain Perraud both picked up a caution on the stroke of half time for a coming together.
Half time: Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Forest started the second half strongly as Awoniyi showed good energy to win back possession inside the Southampton half, he then looked to test Bazunu from range but couldn’t quite find the target with a left-footed effort.
The Saints looked to dominate possession in the second period, but Henderson remained untroubled in the Forest net, The Reds remaining firm to deny a handful of dangerous crosses and set pieces from Ward-Prowse.
Gustavo Scarpa was introduced on 71 minutes, replacing Gibbs-White. The Brazilian showed neat touches on his Premier League debut, playing some dangerous passes as Forest looked to double their lead.
Sam Surridge was also introduced in place of goalscorer Awoniyi to add further fresh legs to the forward line, before Neco Williams and Harry Toffolo replaced Johnson and Renan Lodi.
Forest held firm for the remaining minutes, Henderson claiming a couple of crosses into his penalty area as four minutes of injury time were added on. Referee Thomas Bramall then blew his whistle for full time to hand The Reds a deserved first away win of the Premier League campaign, a result which moves Forest up to 15th.
Full time: Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Southampton: Gavin Basunu, Kyle Walker-Peters, Lyanco (Stuart Armstrong 85'), Mohamed Salisu, Armel Bella-Kotchap (Duje Caleta-Car 34’), Sekou Mara (Adam Armstrong 64'), James Ward-Prowse (C), Romain Perraud (Samuel Edozie 64'), Mohamed Elyounoussi, Che Adams, Roméo Lavia (Joe Aribo 64')
Substitutes: Willy Caballero, Ibrahima Diallo, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Moussa Djenepo
Nottingham Forest: Dean Henderson, Joe Worrall (C), Orel Mangala (Jack Colback 60'), Serge Aurier, Taiwo Awoniyi (Sam Surridge 71'), Morgan Gibbs-White (Gustavo Scarpa 71'), Renan Lodi (Harry Toffolo 84') , Brennan Johnson (Neco Williams 84'), Ryan Yates, Remo Freuler, Willy Boly
Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, Emmanuel Dennis
Goals: Taiwo Awoniyi (27')