Nottingham Forest made it seven straight wins in all competitions for the first time in 19 years by beating managerless Luton 2-0 in the FA Cup.
Forest added to their six consecutive Premier League wins with a comfortable win over the Sky Bet Championship side thanks to goals from Ryan Yates and Ramon Sosa.
It meant they matched the run Colin Calderwood’s side posted in October and November 2006 as the feel-good factor continues at the City Ground.
They easily put themselves in the hat for Sunday’s fourth-round draw and can now turn their attention to Tuesday’s crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool, which could determine whether Forest are indeed in the title race.
Luton were playing their first game since the departure of Rob Edwards in midweek and never really threatened to win.
With Tuesday’s game in mind, Nuno Espirito Santo made 11 changes but, despite the distraction, Forest quickly found their groove and knocked on the door for an early opener.
They should have taken the lead in the 17th minute but Taiwo Awoniyi missed a great chance when a long ball fell kindly to him 12 yards out only for his shot to be pulled wide.
There were dangerous moments as Luton, adjusting to life after Edwards, showed a threat with Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel tipping Liam Walsh’s long-range shot over the bar before denying Isaiah Jones a wonder goal after dancing into the area.
But Forest continued to probe, Yates sending a thunderous 25-yard shot onto the post and Jota Silva making an impressive block.
The turning point finally came in the 40th minute when Yates headed into the bottom corner and converted Sosa’s excellent cross.
Awoniyi could have doubled the lead early in the second half when another loose ball fell to his feet, but he shot low past Thomas Kaminski.
The second, however, happened in the 67th minute when Jota broke through the right side and put Sosa into the goal from close range.
That proved to be enough for Forest as he was comfortably seen off, with all eyes now on the visit from Arne Slott’s men.
Nuno: Liverpool will be difficult, but it’s easier if we’re happy
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo:
“It was good, it was important that all the players played and that we rewarded them.
“They enjoyed playing at the City Ground. It was the first time for many of them to play together, but overall the job was done in a very professional manner.
“We were organized and dedicated. Of course, some of it didn’t go so well, but that’s normal and not so important.
“It was important that we could continue [in the competition] and we did it in a beautiful way.
“All the players who come have an impact on the team. Today they showed again that we have a good team and we are ready.
“It’s very important to maintain momentum, spirit and habit. It’s always nice when we go into tomorrow with a smile and prepare for a difficult match. If we’re happy, it’s easier.”
Trollope on his future with Luton
Luton janitor manager Paul Trollope:
“It was a difficult week, I thought the players did their best, they showed great spirit after the emotions of Rob’s departure.
“This week there were difficulties and it was difficult.
“The task for me was a two-day training and I’m playing today, we did that and we’ll see what the future holds.
“I’m sure there will be discussions with the club in the next few days.”
What’s coming up?
