A Step Nearer The Playoffs

Forest all but booked their place in the playoffs this afternoon with a 2-0 win away at Tranmere. It was a scrappy win, but that we’ll take as it’s points that matter most at this stage of the season.

Forest started the game with 5 changes to the side that disappointed at home to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night. Out went Commons and McGugan, both dropped to the bench. Also out was Agogo as expected through injury. He was replaced by McCleary. Kelvin Wilson missed the game with a thigh strain and was replaced by Breckin and Bennett came in for Lockwood who was also dropped.

The Reds played the first half as so it was a pre season friendly and only had one shot on goal in the entire 45 mins. Tranmere were the better side and were to have the lions share of the play. Former Forest striker Ian Moore missed a chance to give the home side the lead when he hit a tame shot straight at Smith, when he should have done better. Chris Greenacre headed the ball into the net on 20 mins, but his effort was rightly disallowed for offside. The Reds were lethargic and getting over run in the middle of the park. Once again, retaining the ball was a problem as passes were being misplaced and tackles not being won.

Despite our supposed lack of effort we took the lead. It’s fair to say it was against the run of play. Chris Cohen hoofed the ball up field and it was met by the pacy Tyson. He beat his man despite having to make up some distance and rounded the keeper to slot the ball home. This did nothing to lift the Reds and the half continued in much the same fashion.

The second half was to be a little better for Forest in terms of effort and performance, although Tranny should have levelled shortly after the restart. Poor finishing from Ian Goodison let the Reds off the hook. Once again the home side were dominating, but we somehow managed to increase the lead. The increasingly impressive McCleary sent in a corner, that was picked up by Cohen. He found Morgan, who headed powerfully into the net for the second and decisive goal of the game.

This gave Forest the confidence to pass the ball and we began to look more comfortable. We were able to subdue any threat from the home side and with Morgan a rock in defence were looking solid at the back. The game petered out and the Reds picked up a vital win and more importantly the points. It wasn’t exactly vintage, but that’s of little consequence now. A win is a win as they say and we’ll take it thanks very much. Special mention today for the fantastic away support. Much has been aimed at the fans by way of criticism this week. Today they did themselves and the club proud. Well done to them.