Former Premier League side Aston Villa lost their encounter against English Championship side Nottingham Forest 2-1 over the weekend, further denting their chances of regaining top flight status at the end of May.

Villa took the lead first but lost their edge, losing to the hosts with ten men on the pitch. Jonathan Kodjia curled a shot into the home team’s net in the 19th minute. However, the home team ensured they did not end the half without equalizing the scoreline.

Jamie Ward sent in a good effort that Villa shot stopper Sam Johnstone stopped but spilled allowing Britt Assombalonga tap in the equalizer three minutes from the end of the first half.

Villa manager Steve Bruce thought the game would end 1-1 as they held unto the scoreline after losing Jack Grealish in the 78th minute. He was obviously weakened by the late winner for Forest as 17-year-old Ben Brereton scored in injury time.  

“I am distraught for everyone. The players have to stick at it. It is tough at the moment, but this is where you earn your money.

“We have to roll up our sleeves and keep working on the training ground. We were much better in this game than against Brentford and we have brought new players into the squad now.

“We will turn this around and see if we can put some back-to-back wins together, which will take us to where we want to be,” Bruce said.

His counterpart Gary Brazil was happy with the effort of Brereton. He practically sang the praise of the young lad in his post match interview.

The loss leaves Villa in 14^th place with Nottingham Forest following closely. Villa have a game in hand but their confidence keeps suffering as they dream of a return to the Premier League.