First Win For Forest At Vale Park

It’s taken five games to achieve, but Forest have at long last got that elusive victory that will hopefully kickstart the season.

It was three draws and a defeat before today’s meeting with Port Vale, but a goal in each half saw Forest collect all three points. The radio commentary on the game made it sound a dour affair. Colin Fray described it as ‘truly awful and disjointed.’ But that will be of little consequence to Calderwood and the lads. After all, a win is a win.

Calderwood was adventurous in his team selection and made a bold move in dropping Kris Commons. It may have proved to be a masterstroke, because when KC came on in the second half he made a difference. He’s been accused of being in the comfort zone recently and maybe this is the kick up the backside he needs, to show he has to work for his place in the side. Chris Cohen made an impressive debut and set up the first goal from a corner. That goal was probably an OG, but will be hotly contested by Grant Holt.

The second and decisive goal came from a Kris Commons cross, that was met by defender Luke Chambers to head home. The game ended in a 2-0 victory for the Reds. Calderwood will be happy, the players will be happy and the 2,000 travelling supporters will be happy. Not a vintage performance, but the points are more important at the moment, as for a few hours Forest were sitting in the relegation zone. Now Forest sit three points off the playoffs. What a difference a win makes.