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Football

Nottingham Forest

vs Aston Villa. Premier League.

2: 00pm, Sunday 12th April 2026.

The City Ground Attendance: Attendance30, 591.

Report and free match highlights as Nottingham Forest boosted their survival hopes with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa; Tottenham's defeat at Sunderland means Forest move three points above the relegation places Sunday 12 April 2026 17: 07, UK Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Nottingham Forest inched away from the relegation zone after battling to secure a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the City Ground. Murillo could only turn Morgan Rogers' cross into his own net in the 23rd minute as Aston Villa, who were hit by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pulling out of the match after the warm-up, took the lead. But out of nothing, Neco Williams' strike from the edge of the box just before the break brought the hosts level. Forest were the better of the sides in the second half but Villa, who strengthened their Champions League qualification hopes, will rue a string of missed chances with Rogers and Ollie Watkins both going close. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Rogers had the best chance to win the game as Ross Barkley's effort rebounded to Rogers, who scooped his shot over the crossbar as Forest made it four games unbeaten. But both sides will respect the point after midweek away trips in the Europa League and this match could serve as a dress rehearsal for a two-legged semi-final in a few weeks. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player It could prove to be a really crucial point for Forest, who move three points clear of the relegation places after Spurs were beaten 1-0 at Sunderland.

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Villa stay fourth, three points ahead of Liverpool in the race to qualify for the Champions League. Nottingham Forest: Sels (7), Aina (6), Milenkovic (7), Murillo (7), Williams (8), Sangare (7), Anderson (7); Hutchinson (6), Gibbs-White (6), Hudson-Odoi (6), Jesus (6).

Subs: Wood (6), Dominguez (n/a), Ndoye (n/a), Yates (n/a).

Aston Villa: Bizot (7), Cash (6), Lindelof (6), Torres (7), Digne (7), Onana (7), Tielemans (7), Barkley (6), Mc Ginn (6), Rogers (7), Watkins (6).

Subs: Luiz (n/a), Maatsen (n/a), Buendia (n/a), Abraham (n/a), Garcia (n/a).

Player of the Match: Neco Williams. Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira to Sky Sports: "It was a good point in a difficult game against a very difficult opponent. Opportunities from one side, opportunities from the other. In the end one point I think is a good result. "Villa is a team not easy to control. They create some problems, you try to face the problems and create our own chances. After the goal it's the character, confidence, spirit. We scored our goal and had chances to score more goals, and they did as well. "When we decided to bring on another striker we wanted to win the game. Three points would be better than one. We try, but facing a strong team means in the end we need five games without losing. We are in the right way with the right spirit. It's important to get points every game until the end. " Nottingham Forest goalscorer Neco Williams to Sky Sports:

"We are pleased [with a point], every point at this stage of the season is so valuable. We wanted three points but Villa are a top side. It's an important point

"We knew how important the second goal was, we knew we had to get the second goal and we did. We stuck together, a proper team performance today. It was important to stick at it. It's a valuable point.

"The manager has been telling me to shoot outside the box more and that's what I did today. I took a few and one went in, so i'm pleased with that. With the surface and the rain, it was important to get our shots off. "

On Tottenham losing to Sunderland today, he added: "You don't want to look at the table too much because you want to focus on yourself. It's hard not to with the position we are in. It's a good point and we need to build on that.

"Every game for us now is a cup final. Every point is so important. We need to build and carry on with this momentum. " Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to Sky Sports: "I am happy with how we played, how we competed and followed the game plan. The players feel confidence and comfortable. How we managed the match in 90 minutes like we planned. "The first half was equal but we dominated and had good chances to score. I am so proud of how the players did. Of course we had three or four chances to score, and we conceded the momentum to them a few times. One point is not enough, but this is the way we want to play in the next weeks in the Premier League and Europa League. "I like when we are creating chances and dominating and having good possession. Of course if we are scoring it is better. But we are getting better again, the last three or four matches. We must be so demanding and consistent to keep it for the next matches. "Three months we were fantastic, then we struggled, now we are recovering. It's important for the players to have momentum. Today, how we kept the level of the last matches, is the most relevant for our confidence. " Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot to Sky Sports:

"We came here for a win of course, we tried everything in our power to take a win, but unfortunately we end up with one point. It's not enough.

"We tried to push through but it was difficult. They had a few moments. We played well before the goal and after our energy went down and they got strength to push and score.

"We had the options to score a second goal but it needs to go in. We should have taken three points today. "

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