Matt Turner leads Nottingham Forest to first league since early-November

Christmas came one day late for Matt Turner and Nottingham Forest.

Turner helped lead Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad to a 3-1 road victory over Newcastle United on Tuesday, which snapped a seven-match winless run in Premier League play. The U.S. men’s national team shot-stopper made five saves at St. James Park while Chris Wood registered a hat trick.

Despite the Magpies taking a first-half lead through Alexander Isak’s penalty kick, Forest would fight back to score three unanswered goals. Wood’s equalizer came in first-half stoppage time, making it 1-1 heading into the interval.

Wood’s clever finish in the 53rd minute propelled Forest in front 2-1 before the veteran capped off his Man of the Match performance just seven minutes later. Murillo’s over-the-top ball was gathered by Wood before the New Zealand forward deked Martin Dubravka and slotted into an empty net.

Newcastle United tried its best for a comeback, but Turner was up to the task on several occasions. The Forest backline also did well to block several scoring opportunities and help Turner grind out the result.

It marked Turner’s first club victory since September 2 when Nottingham Forest defeated Chelsea 1-0.

Nottingham Forest is now two points clear of the relegation zone heading into Saturday’s home match vs. Manchester United.