Nottingham Forest made it seven wins in a row 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 successive Premier League victories with a comfortable success 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 feelgood 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 crunch Premier League clash with Liverpool, which could determine whether Forest really are in the title race.
Yates was on target at the City Ground
Luton were playing their first game since Rob Edwards’ departure in midweek and never really threatened victory.
With Tuesday’s game in mind, Nuno Espirito Santo made 11 changes but, despite the disruption, Forest were quick to find their groove and knocked on the door for an early opener.
They should have been ahead in the 17th minute but Taiwo Awoniyi missed a glaring chance when a long ball fell kindly to him 12 yards out only to drag his shot wide.
Ramon Sosa celebrates after doubling Forest’s lead
There were moments of danger as Luton, adjusting to life after Edwards, showed threat with Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel palming Liam Walsh’s long-distance strike over the crossbar before denying Isaiah Jones a wonder goal after he danced into the area.
But Forest continued to probe, with Yates sending a thunderous 25-yard effort into the crossbar and Jota Silva denied by an impressive block.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 40th minute when Yates planted a header into the bottom corner, converting Sosa’s excellent cross.
Sosa stoops to score for Nottingham Forest
Awoniyi could have doubled the lead early in the second half when another loose ball landed at his feet but he struck a weak effort at Thomas Kaminski.
The second did come in the 67th minute when Jota broke down the right and squared for Sosa to sweep home from close range.
That proved enough for Forest as they saw it out comfortably, with all eyes now turning to the visit of Arne Slot’s men.
Nuno: Liverpool will be tough, but it’s easier if we are happy
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo:
“It was good. It was important for all the players to play and for us to reward them.
“They enjoyed themselves, playing at the City Ground. It was the first time playing together for many of them, but overall it was job done in a very professional way.
“We were organised and committed. Of course some of it didn’t flow so good, but that’s normal and is not so important.
“What was important was that we were able to continue [in the competition] and we did it in a nice way.
“All the players who come in are having an impact on the team. Today, they showed again that we have a good squad and we are ready to go.
“It is very important to keep the momentum, the spirit and the habit going. It is always nice when we go to tomorrow with a smile and prepare for a tough game. If we are happy, it is easier.”
Trollope on his future with Luton
Luton caretaker manager Paul Trollope:
“It has been a difficult week, I thought the players gave everything, they showed a great spirit after the emotion of Rob leaving.
“There has been adversity this week and it has been difficult.
“The remit for myself was for the two days’ training and take the game today, we have done that and we will see what the future holds.
“I am sure there will be discussions with the club in the next few days.”
