Awoniyi breaks 18-year record as Crystal Palace force Nottingham Forest to stalemate

Awoniyi has been superb for Nottingham Forest this month, and even Crystal Palace could not stop his run

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi became the first player since the 2004/05 season to open the scoring eight times in a single season for a newly promoted club after his first-half strike gave Nottingham Forest the lead in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

Soccernet.ng reports that Awoniyi has been in outstanding form in Nottingham's last four games. He scored five in his previous three for the side, helping them preserve their Premier League status.

The former Union Berlin man continued with his brilliant run when the Tricky Trees traveled to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace bossed the game in the opening embers, but Nottingham Forest were content with sitting back to catch them on the counter.

It eventually paid off, as the Tricky Trees got the opener in the 31st minute. Morgan Gibbs-White played Awoniyi through on goal, and despite pressure from a defender, the Nigerian striker sent a low drive into the net to put Forest in front.

Nottingham Forest held on till the 63rd minute when Will Hughes got the equalizer for Crystal Palace. Awoniyi was taken for Sam Surridge, as both teams saw out the 1-1 score.

According to Opta, his goal ensured that he became the first player since Andrew Johnson(Crystal Palace) in 2004/05 to open the scoring for a newly-promoted Premier League in eight games.

Nottingham Forest ended the season in 16th place after the result.