Battling Forest Show They Do Have Bottle

Forest put in a gutsy performance today, that showed the players do want to play for Calderwood and do have the desire and fight to get out of trouble. It wasn’t a classic by any means, but it was a win and at the moment, that’s exactly what we need.

Calderwood opted for a young lad from Ireland at right back today and what a good move it turned out to be. Young Brendan Moloney, put in a display beyond his 19 years and could be the answer to one of our defensive problems. In attack, he went for three up front, with Garner, Tyson and Earnshaw, going in search of goals. It was a scrappy start from Forest though, with the Tykes making all the threats. Campbell-Ryce was a pain all afternoon and made the most of too much space given to him both by the midfield and the back four.

But, on 36 mins and it has to be said, against the run of play…. we got the lead. Tyson put a great ball into the box, that found a totally unmarked Garner, who sent an easy header straight in the net. From that moment on, Forest seemed to grow in confidence and ended the half the stronger.

Far too often this season we’ve been unable to play for 90 mins, but today the players gave it their all for the entire match. It wasn’t vintage by any stretch of the imagination, but it was full of passion and desire. There was something of a siege mentality about this game, both on the pitch from the players and on the terraces too. The fans to their credit, were right behind the team today. For 90 mins, any feelings about getting CC out were put on hold, as the terraces roared the lads on.

The visitors found it tough going today, but were a threat when going at our defence. For once though, we held out, thanks in the main to some sterling work from Moloney and also Morgan, at the heart of the defence. Special mention to Joel Lynch today. I’ve given him a real pasting on here in recent weeks, but today he had his best game in a Red shirt to show that he may indeed be a footballer. More of the same please.

As the game entered it’s closing stages, Barnsley threw the kitchen sink at us, in an effort to draw level. Camp was forced to make three great saves and definitely kept us in the game. The Tykes looked to have hit an equaliser when Stephen Foster hit a bullet of a header against the bar. Then in the final minute, they were awarded a free kick. Even the gangly German keeper came up for this one, which had Forest fans chewing their nails. Camp pulled off his best save of the match, as the shot came through a crowded box. He must have seen the ball very late, but he was able to make a diving save that the defence managed to clear.

This was a much needed win and it lifts us off the bottom. We still have alot to do in terms of survival and we are still four points adrift. But we did show we can fight and we did show that we can win. Whether it’s enough to ensure Calderwood’s survival I’m not sure. Personally, I still think we need to change, but that’s another story. For tonight at least, let’s enjoy the novelty of three points and a win. It hasn’t happened very often this season.