Forest 0-1 Black Cats

This was the penultimate game before the season proper starts in 11 days time and despite the 1-0 defeat, fans will be happy with a solid though not spectacular display from the lads.

Forest started the game without Andrew Cole who was nursing a ‘slight’ thigh strain and lined up with our now customary 4-3-3 formation. Earnshaw ran his socks off all night, but with little reward. He was hungry and with better service as the season progresses will get his fair share of goals. The most pleasing thing about the night was the continued progress of newbie Guy Moussi who gets better with every game he plays. The best compliment I can pay the fella, is that he reminds me of Johnny Metgod. If he turns out half as good as him, he’ll be a terrace hero in no time.

Although Forest started the brighter of the two sides, the Black Cats ended the half the stronger and had the better chances to go in front. The Prem side made 7 substitutions at the break and took the game to the Reds’. Forest were coping well at the back until a Kieran Richardson bullet hit the back of the net, leaving Smith without a chance.

Fair play to Calderwood for giving youngsters such as Sinclair, Reid, McLeary, Moloney and Heath a run out, they acquitted themselves well and did their chances of a call up to the first team no harm at all. The only disappointment of the night, was the display put on by trialist Sahr Sinese, who has been released by German side Borussia Dortmund. He’s supposedly an attacking midfielder, but he didn’t look like he could tackle a pint. I don’t think we’ll be seeing him again.

All in all, there’s plenty to be positive about. It will be nice to end the pre season with a win, they will get that chance at Meadow Lane on Saturday with the visit to Notts. 11 days to go and we don’t look too bad.