Enciso rescues point as Ipswich hold Forest to 1-1 draw amid VAR controversy
Ipswich 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Amid a Suffolk squall with wind whipping and rain drumming at Portman Road, Ipswich Town salvaged a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Friday 23 October 2026. Julio Enciso struck just before half-time to cancel out Neco Williams’ first-half opener, denying Forest a win that would have eased their early-season struggles.
Forest lead from defensive lapse
Forest began as the lowest scorers in the division and broke their drought early. Julio Enciso fired wide for Ipswich and Morgan Gibbs-White created for Liam Delap, who missed the target, before the visitors struck. Neco Williams glided in unmarked at the back post to sweep home a looping cross from Daniel Muñoz, the full-back Glasner brought with him from Crystal Palace.
Ipswich responded through Jaden Philogene, who forced a save from Matz Sels, and Enciso, who danced through red shirts to force another stop. Leif Davis produced a decisive goalline intervention to deny a Gibbs-White shot.
Enciso equalises after Milenkovic error
The equaliser came via a collective loss of concentration characteristic of Forest’s 11 October defeat at Crystal Palace. Jair Cunha gallivanted forward before his touch betrayed him, Dara O’Shea’s clearance was poorly dealt with by Nikola Milenkovic and the back-pass was slack. Enciso exhibited calm to slot home.
VAR controversy and wasteful Forest
Forest dominated the remainder, creating 2.31 xG and winning the shot count 17-7, but only had Williams’ goal to show. Leif Davis cleared off the line again to deny Dan Ndoye, who had beaten Christian Walton in open space.
The night was overshadowed by a refereeing incident. Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR after Issa Diop clattered James McAtee, clean through on goal. Diop received only a yellow card after the video assistant ruled McAtee had lost possession as the collision came, sparking howls of conspiracy from Forest supporters.
Forest’s frustration continued in front of goal. Murillo fired shots among a flurry of chances and missed a free header from a corner. Liam Delap, barracked on every touch at Portman Road, headed wide after rising highest to seize on a mistake by Abdoul Ouatarra and fired another effort wide. Late substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi was given time and space in eight added minutes but fired wide.
The draw leaves Forest with just one win from eight Premier League games in 2026-27, underperforming their expected goals data, while Ipswich showed resilience under Gary O’Neil after wins over Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Fulham earlier in the campaign.