15th February, 2025
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Nigerian international Calvin Bassey emerged as the match-winner as Fulham secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash on Saturday.
Bassey struck in the 62nd minute, heading home from close range after Raul Jimenez nodded on a corner, restoring Fulham’s lead after Chris Wood had earlier cancelled out Emile Smith Rowe’s opener.
Fulham made a bright start at Craven Cottage, and their early dominance paid off in the 15th minute when Adama Traore whipped in a precise cross for Smith Rowe, who finished with composure to put the hosts ahead.
However, Forest responded well, and in the 37th minute, Wood expertly latched onto a delivery and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Bernd Leno with no chance.
Both teams had chances to take control in a fiercely contested second half.
Callum Hudson-Odoi forced a spectacular save from Leno, while Emile Smith Rowe missed a golden opportunity from close range.
However, it was Bassey who made the decisive contribution, reacting quickly to Jimenez’s knockdown to head home what proved to be the winner.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s late push for an equaliser, with Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi both coming close, Fulham’s defence held firm to secure all three points.
