The centre forward hit a brace in the club’s surprise 3-0 win over promotion hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion.
Bolton Wanderers’ Zach Clough scores their second goal from the penalty spot
Nottingham Forest’s shock 3-0 Championship victory over high flying Brighton & Hove Albion caused more than one eyebrow to be raised nationwide, with the relegation battlers forcing several betting slips to be ripped up.
What wasn’t a shock however, was that January transfer window signing Zach Clough – playing in his preferred number 10 role when he came on as a substitute – single-handedly turned the game on its head.
Forest fans were delighted when the 21-year-old signed, as Clough demonstrated several times at former club Bolton Wanderers that when played as an attacking midfielder, he’s a vital asset to any team at Championship level.
However, despite getting his first assist for Forest against Norwich City in that role, caretaker boss Gary Brazil angered fans when he shoved Clough out on the right wing in the recent 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Bolton Wanderers’ Josh Vela and Zach Clough celebrate at full time
The results were predictably painful for Forest fans and Clough was hauled off after 57 minutes, but against Brighton, Clough returned to his natural position and responded with a brilliantly taken strike, with a penalty to boot.
If Clough can get a run of games in that position, which Forest have been crying out for someone to fill all season, then their relegation fears could soon be over.
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