Chris Hughton credited goalkeeper Brice Samba with ‘a wonderful save’ to help Nottingham Forest to three points against Rovers.

Samba redeemed himself, having given away a penalty in the 72nd minute, by denying Adam Armstrong from 12 yards. The goalkeeper dived away to his right to palm away the spot-kick, while getting to his feet to deny the follow-up.

That helped Forest to successive 1-0 wins over Rovers, with Hughton having claimed his first victory as boss of the Reds at Ewood Park in October.

Alex Mighten’s first half goal proved the difference between the sides on the scoreboard, but Hughton was grateful to Samba’s save for keeping out Rovers for a second time this season.

“We needed a wonderful save from Brice to keep the penalty out but otherwise it's another clean sheet against another good footballing side who we have restricted to minimum chances. As a unit we had to dig deep and make sure we stopped them from creating anything clear-cut,” he said.

"It was a very good save from Brice for the penalty and he was up against a top striker who has already scored 20 goals this season.

“Adam Armstrong is generally a player who hits the back of the net from penalties but Brice did superbly to keep it out and then get up to hold onto the rebound as well so I'm really pleased for him because it caps off a good period for him."

Samba himself was equally delighted with the penalty save having studied Armstrong with the club’s goalkeeping coach ahead of the game.

Armstrong scored from the spot against Preston North End two games previous, going to the goalkeeper’s left, but opted to try and find the opposite corner against Forest.

Rovers’ top scorer had scored five penalties this season and eight successful spot-kicks since last being denied by Simon Moore in the league cup tie at Sheffield United in August 2019.

“I am happy because we got the three points, that is the most important thing. We played well and we deserved it,” Samba told his club’s website.

“I was talking with Nick (Colgan) the goalkeeping coach and we looked at Armstrong before as the penalty taker for Blackburn, I thank God because I guessed the right side and I am happy.  

“I try to feel and choose a side before he is going to kick it. It is difficult and I need to focus on where it is going, but I am happy to make the save and to take the three points.”