Forest 0-1 Doncaster

Football can be a game where you don’t always get what you deserve. But last night, Forest did. They got absolutely nothing. It’s difficult as a supporter not to be too critical after games like this, but here goes.

Forest lined up as expected and started brightly as did Doncaster. But that first five minutes was as good as the Reds were going to get. In the entire first half we had one shot of note from Kris Commons, but he tried a shot, when instead he should have passed to an unmarked Agogo. He was to commit the same offence in the second half. Forest were second best and were being run ragged by Stock and McCammon. The latter being stretchered off after a challenge from Bennett.

The first half was drawing to a close, when up popped Brian Stock with a brilliant opportunistic goal. He basically let one rip from fully 30 yards, that was goal bound from the second he hit it. 1-0 up at half time and Forest left the pitch to unsurprising jeers. Even though the Reds had what appeared to be a good penalty claim turned down, they could barely muster an attempt on goal.

The second half was no better. any thoughts the fans had of Forest getting a goal back were misplaced. Yes, they tried to knock it about at times, but all too often they gave the ball away, The only chance I can remember was a Junior Agogo effort that was side footed over the bar from close range, when perhaps he should have done better. Doncaster on the other hand, whose side incidentally resembled a patchwork quilt were playing the better football and winning every tackle and dictating the pace of the game. This was slightly annoying as it appeared they were using spoiling tactics to kill time. Annoying because they didn’t have to do it, as there was no threat from Forest.

Although the ref was appalling, it would be wrong to blame him for this defeat. He had an inept performance, but the battle for ineptitude was won by Forest hands down. Kris Commons was poor, as was James Perch. The introduction of Tyson was futile as he never saw the ball. Dobie came on and looked like he may threaten, but he didn’t. Infact, none of them did. A full five minutes of injury time was added, but in this entire spell, when you would expect them to throw the kitchen sink at the opposition, the team could not get the ball out of their own half.

Bristol City play Chesterfield tonight and sit one point behind the Reds, with two games in hand. We could be in third tonight, which after the fine display at the weekend would be demoralising. Forest face the arduous task of a visit to League leaders Scunthorpe on Saturday. They will have to play much better than this to get anything from that game. All in all, a very poor performance from the Reds.

Forest: Smith, Curtis, Morgan, Breckin (Chambers 72), Bennett, Perch, McGugan (Dobie 82), Gary Holt, Commons, Agogo, Grant Holt (Tyson 54).
Subs Not Used: Pedersen, Hughes.

Booked: Dobie, Bennett.

Doncaster: Sullivan, Paul Green, Lockwood, Worley (Lee 62), McDaid, Coppinger (Hird 77), Stock, Wilson, Thornton, Price, McCammon (Dyer 40).
Subs Not Used: Guy, Forte.

Goals: Stock 44.

Ref: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).