Blackpool v Nottingham Forest player ratings - Johnson nets brilliant brace in big win

Nottingham Forest returned to Championship action in style as they cruised to a superb 4-1 victory at Blackpool.

The visitors were 3-0 up at the break thanks to a terrific first half performance. Philip Zinckernagel opened the scoring, before a brilliant quick-fire brace from Brennan Johnson put Forest in command.

Zinckernagel had a penalty appeal waved away early on. But he got on the scoresheet with 11 minutes gone when a deflected effort looped over the goalkeeper.

The Seasiders had some bright moments, but Johnson was ruthless in front of goal. His first was a well-struck first-time effort arrowed into the far corner. And then his second was dinked over Dan Grimshaw after good work to win the ball in the first place.

Forest created some more openings in the second half. But it was left to Sam Surridge to put the gloss on the scoreline as he came off the bench to make it 4-0.

The only disappointment was that the visitors didn’t keep a clean-sheet. Callum Connolly pulled one back at the death for the hosts.

Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Brice Samba: Almost like he’d never been out of the side. Gives the manager a big decision to make for the remaining games as made some decent saves. Rating: 8/10

Joe Worrall: So close to a well-earned clean-sheet for the back line. Blackpool had their moments but were generally kept at bay. Almost caught out with a backward header in the first half, but otherwise solid. Rating: 8/10

Tobias Figueiredo: Has really stepped up in these last few games when given an opportunity. Did well again, including one occasion in the first half when he was alert to thwart Jerry Yates. Rating: 8/10

Scott McKenna: A huge boost to have him back in the