A Breakthrough Season at Forest

21st Birthday and August Strikes

On 14 August 2018 at the City Ground, Matty Cash made his mark in dramatic fashion. In the first round of the EFL Cup against Bury, he scored a 90th-minute equalising goal in a match that ended 1–1, with Nottingham Forest prevailing 10–9 on penalties. Just a week earlier, on 7 August, the player celebrated his 21st birthday.

He carried his scoring form into the league campaign. On 18 August at the DW Stadium, he opened the scoring against Wigan Athletic in the 10th minute, though the fixture finished in a 2–2 draw. Late in the month, on 29 August, he repeated his late-heroics cup script – this time sealing a 3–1 second-round win against Newcastle United with a 90th-minute strike.

Autumn Battles in the Championship

On 1 September at Griffin Park, Cash found the net in the 62nd minute against Brentford, although the hosts took a 2–1 victory. Autumn was defined by his hard work in midfield and cementing his place in the starting lineup. On 15 September in a 0–0 away draw against Swansea City, he received a yellow card in the 41st minute. On 3 November at the City Ground, he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 win against Sheffield United, picking up a booking in the 34th minute.

The loudest echo, however, came from a chaotic night at Villa Park on 28 November 2018. In an extraordinary 5–5 draw against Aston Villa – the club he would later represent – Cash scored in the 22nd minute to put Forest 2–1 ahead.

Winter Drama and a Brace at Norwich

The festive period brought further attacking masterclasses. On 26 December 2018 at Carrow Road, Matty Cash scored twice against Norwich City. He struck in the 45th and 74th minutes as the thrilling contest ended in a 3–3 draw.

As the new year turned, his minutes and cautions accumulated. On 26 January 2019, he scored again against Wigan Athletic (in the 48th minute), though Forest fell to a 3–1 defeat, and the midfielder was booked in the 30th minute.

Spring Finish and Final Numbers

In the spring, the team pushed for a strong league finish. On 22 April 2019, Cash featured in a 3–0 Championship matchday 44 victory over Middlesbrough at the City Ground, picking up a yellow card on the stroke of half-time (45th minute).

He concluded the 2018–19 season with an impressive output for Nottingham Forest. In the Championship, he made 36 appearances and scored 6 goals, while adding 5 cup appearances and 2 goals for a total of 41 games and 8 goals. This solid foundation cemented his reputation in the English second tier, setting the stage for his permanent transition to right-back in the subsequent campaign. See also Matty Cash stats.