Johnson strike sees Forest edge past Leeds

Brennan Johnson proved the matchwinner as Nottingham Forest beat Leeds by a single goal to edge further away from the Premier League drop zone.

Although the visitors edged the first-half in the performance stakes, Forest made the all-important breakthrough on 14 minutes when Wales international Johnson rifled home from the edge of the area. 

The hosts rode their luck somewhat with debutant keeper Keylor Navas, on loan from Paris St-Germain, making important saves from Wilfried Gnonto, Luke Ayling and Luis Sinisterra in the first 45. 

After the break, however, Leeds were unable to muster much of a threat and Steve Cooper's Forest held on to record a valuable three points that moves them up to 13th place in the top flight.  

Despite some improved performances of late, Jesse Marsch's Whites remain 17th in the table and have worryingly gone seven league games without a win.