FOREST HISTORY · Historic event
Assombalonga brace beats Burton
On this day in 2016 Britt Assombalonga scores twice on his Forest return against Burton Albion.
Britt Assombalonga marked his return from long-term injury with two goals as Forest beat Burton Albion 4-3 in a chaotic Championship opener at the City Ground.
The emotion around the game came from Assombalonga’s comeback as much as the result. After so long out, Forest supporters were waiting to see whether their main striker could still bring the same sharpness and presence.
He answered by scoring twice from close range. Thomas Lam also scored for Forest with an effort from the edge of the area that found a way through a crowd, before Oliver Burke volleyed in after Pajtim Kasami’s shot was deflected into his path.
Burton kept forcing their way back into the match through Lucas Akins, Lloyd Dyer and Tom Naylor. Forest had to survive far more tension than they would have wanted after building leads, and Assombalonga’s second goal ultimately proved decisive in a seven-goal opening-day match.
For Assombalonga, the brace mattered beyond the scoreline. It showed he could still affect matches after a serious injury, and for one afternoon the City Ground saw the release of a comeback that had been a long time coming.
Sources
Nottingham Forest official site; The Guardian; 11v11
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