Commons Ready To Return

The midfielder managed 65 minutes as both he and Scott Dobie continued their return from injury, in a convincing 4-1 success.

And it was a productive game for Commons, who looked to be regaining his sharpness as he laid on goals for Felix Bastians, Dobie and Kevin James. Teenage sub Lewis McGugan added the fourth with a well-taken finish in the 89th minute.

Forest fielded an attack minded line-up which included Dobie – who completed a full 90 minutes – as a lone front man, but with both Robert Hughes, Kevin James and Commons eager to support him from deep and Bastians and James Cullingworth pushing on down the flanks. It was a formula that worked with great success, as the home side entirely dominated.

When the opening goal came in the 21st minute, it was inspired by Commons, who provided a pinpoint cross from deep on the left to pick out the run of Bastians to the far post, where the winger lashed home an emphatic finish.

It took only four minutes for Forest to double their advantage.

Commons spotted a burst through the middle by Dobie, who showed good composure to slide home a firm shot.

Five minutes before half-time, Leeds clawed one back out of nothing as Jonathan Howson bent a superb 25 yard free-kick around the wall and inside Rune Pedersen’s post.

But the second half continued in the same fashion as a further spell of Forest pressure culminated in a powerful burst down the left from Commons, who whipped in an arrowing cross to the feet of James, who stroked home from close range on 57 minutes.

Forest carved out numerous chances before McGugan calmly fired beyond the advancing keeper to make it 4-1 in the 89th minute.

But, while most of what was a strong team took the chance to impress, it was Commons and Dobie whose performances were most encouraging.

NEP