Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup run came to an early end as they were knocked out by Burnley in the second round.

A first half short of goalmouth action saw chances at a premium for both sides. It was the Reds who had the better of them, though, despite the visitors seeing more of the ball.

Ryan Yates had an effort blocked inside the opening five minutes. And while the ball fell for Cheikhou Kouyate, he fired wide from a tight angle.

The midfielder was off target again as half-time neared. Good work by Chris Wood saw him power forward before cutting the ball back for his teammate, but Kouyate was unable to make the most of the opportunity.

Aaron Ramsey and Josh Brownhill tried their luck for the Clarets just before the break. But it took until deep into the second half for the game to start coming to life, with Yates heading just wide from an Elanga cross.

Just when Forest found a bit of spark, it was the visitors who bagged a late winner. Zeki Amdouni controlled well before beating Matt Turner with the first shot on target of the whole game.

It proved enough for the Clarets as they triumphed 1-0 and progressed to the third round at Forest’s expense. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Matt Turner: Barely had anything to do, until he had to pick the ball out the back of the net. Went on to make an excellent save in added time. Rating: 6.5/10

Gonzalo Montiel: Didn’t get much of an opportunity to make an impact on his debut. Will have benefitted from minutes on the pitch as he settles in, though. Rating: 6/10

Serge Aurier: Versatility proved useful as he filled in as the right-sided centre-back. For the most part, helped limit the Clarets to few chances in a tepid affair. Rating: 6/10

Willy Boly: The defender has found a bit of form early on this season. Another solid display to build on his showing at Old Trafford. A shame the defence was beaten at the death. Rating: 6.5/10

Moussa Niakhate: Good to see the centre-back fit enough to make the starting line-up again; Forest need him. Generally steady in this second round tie. Rating: 6/10

Neco Williams: Saw a fair bit of the ball down the left flank as Forest seemed to target that side. Needed a bit better delivery at times, but a decent performance. Rating: 6/10

Cheikhou Kouyate: Had the hosts’ only real chances of the first half. Not the easiest ones to convert, but he would no doubt still have hoped to hit the target. Rating: 6/10

Ryan Yates: Was his usual industrious self in the middle of the pitch, chipping in with a few firm challenges. Not too far away with a header in the second half. Rating: 6.5/10

Andrey Santos: Difficult to really judge what the newcomer has to offer based on his first outing. A few nice touches and always seemed happy to receive the ball. Rating: 6.5/10

Anthony Elanga: Deserved his place in the XI after some eye-catching substitute performances. Really came to life in the closing stages as he tried to make something happen. Rating: 7/10

Chris Wood: Worked tirelessly up front, trying to put pressure on the Burnley back line when he could. Was living off scraps for the most part, though. Rating: 6.5/10

Subs

Harry Toffolo (for Williams, 70mins): Shame for the Reds to concede at the time and in the manner they did – just as they had picked up, too. Rating: 6/10

Morgan Gibbs-White (for Montiel, 70mins): Made a difference when he came on as Forest were suddenly livelier. Rating: 6.5/10

Brennan Johnson (for Kouyate, 72mins): Serenaded by the home crowd with chants of ‘he’s one of our own’ as interest in him intensifies ahead of the transfer deadline. Showed no sign of letting all the talk affect him. Rating:

6.5/10

Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 88mins): Did his best to try to force something in the closing stages. Rating: 6.5/10

Brandon Aguilera (for Santos, 90+1mins): Didn’t get long, but a confident cameo from the youngster. Looks a talent. Rating: 6.5/10

Subs not used: Horvath, Felipe, Ui-jo, Aina.