Nottingham Forest claimed their first win of the season as goals from Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood saw them beat Sheffield United 2-1 at the City Ground.

The hosts got off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring with three minutes on the clock. Brennan Johnson teed up Serge Aurier for a peach of a cross which found Awoniyi in the centre, and the striker headed past Wes Foderingham for his second of the season.

Forest looked dangerous whenever they pushed forward in the opening stages. Morgan Gibbs-White had a low effort saved, while Awoniyi had the ball pinched off his toe before he could finish off another Aurier cross.

Just before the half hour, Awoniyi had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Peter Bankes when through on goal. But the Reds tailed off somewhat towards the end of the first half as Matt Turner did well to thwart Vini Souza.

Having grown into the game before the break, the visitors were quick out the traps after the restart and equalised with 48 minutes gone. A fierce strike from Gustavo Hamer beat Turner from a corner.

Awoniyi had a goal ruled out for offside and Boly forced a save as Forest tried to respond. But Turner had to pull off an important stop to deny Benie Traore late on. It proved crucial as Wood came off the bench to net a winner at the death. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Matt Turner: Not a great deal he could do about the equaliser. Made some important stops, though, none more so than to thwart Traore heading into the final 10 minutes. Rating: 7/10

Joe Worrall: Back line as a unit started off solid, but errors started to creep in as the visitors worked their way into the game. A few hairy moments. Rating: 6/10

Willy Boly: Twice wasn’t too far away from getting on the scoresheet, forcing a good save just before being withdrawn. Booking may have played a part in him coming off. Rating: 6.5/10

Scott McKenna: Not the best of games for the defender. Some sloppy mistakes helped provide United with a route into the game. Rating: 5.5/10

Serge Aurier: Had an off-day at Arsenal, but was more like his usual self back on home turf. Two excellent crosses for the goals – real peaches. Rating: 8/10

Orel Mangala: Started off really well when the Reds were playing with intent and intensity. Lost the grip on the game as the first half wore on, though. Rating: 6/10

Danilo: Been a quiet start to the season for the Brazilian. Hasn’t found his rhythm yet or shown the quality which lit up games at the back end of last term. Rating: 5.5/10

Neco Williams: A positive to see him back in the starting line-up. Playing as a wing-back suits him more. Made some good forward runs when he got chance. Rating: 7/10

Brennan Johnson: Was really bright early on, being involved in some lovely link-up play and causing problems. A quieter second half when the Reds struggled to get going. Rating: 7/10

Taiwo Awoniyi: Six Premier League games in a row now in which the striker has found the back of the net. He’s going to be crucial this season. Tired as full-time neared. Rating: 8/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: Was a real menace when the hosts were on top in the opening stages, constantly looking to make things happen. Could have done with more of that after the break. Rating: 7/10

Ryan Yates (for Mangala, 69mins): Maybe could have done with being brought on sooner to add some bite in midfield – Forest had been lacking that. Made a difference. Rating: 7.5/10

Anthony Elanga (for Boly, 69mins): Stretched the Blades with his pace when he came on. Must surely be pushing for a start. Rating: 7.5/10

Chris Wood (for Awoniyi, 84mins): Super sub again, finding the net from off the bench for a big win. Rating: 7.5/10

Cheikhou Kouyate (for Danilo, 90+1mins): Helped see out the closing minutes to get three points on the board. Rating: 6/10

Moussa Niakhate (for Johnson, 90+1mins): A boost for the Reds to have him back out on the pitch. He will be needed. Rating: 6/10

Subs not used: Horvath, Toffolo, Freuler, Ui-jo.