New Delhi, May 1 -- Chris Wood scored from the penalty spot to give Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of their all-English Europa League semifinal on Thursday.

In a matchup of two teams hoping to revive former European glory, the win at the City Ground puts Forest a step closer to what would be its first continental competition final in 46 years.

Wood fired his 71st-minute penalty high into the net, giving goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez no chance to save after defender Lucas Digne was whistled for handball.

"It's nice to have the advantage but going to Villa Park will be a tough game," the New Zealand striker told the TNT Sports. "But we've done the job here at home and now hopefully we'll build into next ...