Bring On The Glovers

Forest head into a final day showdown next week against Yeovil at the City Ground and a genuine chance of automatic promotion. Thanks to a 1-0 win at Hartlepool and a 3-0 defeat for Carlisle at Millwall, the Reds sit just a point behind Doncaster, with just 1 game to go.

Calderwood rested Commons and McGugan and put them on the bench. To be honest I was perplexed by this, but fair play to him when he brought them on as subs, they really changed the game. McCleary got a start and his pace caused problems all afternoon. Although it was a game that we dominated from the start, it was a tense and nervy one for the fans.

Forest had the chances to go in front, but the first half ended in stalemate as the tension began to rise. Results from elsewhere began to filter through to the crowd and the players must have known as well because the tempo seemed to raise in the second half. Forest were playing with purpose and were asking all the questions. But the ball wouldn’t go in the net.

Perch, Ormerod, Tyson and Commons had all gone close to scoring, but the breakthrough was proving elusive. Calderwood made a positive and decisive substitution early in the half, with the introduction of McGugan and Davies. It began to pay dividends, as the Reds dominated and were intent on attack.

Hartlepool had a couple of chances when they hit us on the break. Pushing everyone forward was leaving us open at the back and David Foley nearly made us pay, when he forced a decent save from Smith.

With only 4 mins of time left and a goal beginning to look unlikely, up pops McGugan with a cracker. He sent a curling shot from the edge of the box passed keeper Lee-Barrett, to send the players, coaching staff and the fans delirious.

We still need Doncaster to fall short next week against Cheltenham, but it’s nicely set up for a sellout City Ground and the chance to nick it on the final day of the season. Also add into the mix, the chance for revenge over Yeovil and you have a potential thriller on your hands. This was the 3rd win in a row for us today. That’s the first time we’ve done that all season. Maybe things are finally looking up. Bring on the Glovers!