Forest Bite Stuns Terriers

This was a game that put supporters through every emotion today. But the end result was a deserved 2-1 win to the Reds in a match that saw us come back from one down with ten men, to grab all three points and with no help at all from an appalling ref called Mr. A. Taylor.

Calderwood promised that after the Gills defeat the lads would come out all guns blazing. They didn’t quite manage that, as they were to come up against a physical Hudds side that was intent on getting a point and frustrated Forest whenever possible.

The referee denied Forest a cast iron penalty in the 6th min, after Commons was felled in the box, but referee Taylor who was as blind as a bat for most of the game waved play on. Booth could have put the Terriers in front with a header from a free kick, but it went well wide of the goal.

On 20 mins the ref had a moment of insanity when he not only awarded a penalty to the visitors, but sent Wilson off for a professional foul. He had headed the ball back to Smith who collected it in his arms and then blocked Jevons from advancing. After Jevons threw himself on the deck, the ref pointed to the spot and then produced the Red card for Wilson. This incensed the crowd and it also put us 1-0 down.

The closest the Reds came to an equaliser in the first half was from a Clingan shot that went just wide. Forest were working hard and not letting the visitors make the extra man count. But chances were few, as the Terriers matched Forest in terms of effort and were not allowing us to play.

Lennon was replaced by Perch at the break and it wasn’t a bad move by our under fire manager. Although, it turned out that Lennon had taken a knock. Forest had a sense of urgency about them in the second half, but were once again guilty of giving the ball away too easily. Huddersfield should have added to their lead when Booth once again headed goal bound, but his effort was well saved by Smith.

Cohen came on for the hard working Holt on 65 mins and had an immediate impact. Good work between McGugan and Perch saw the ball end up with Cohen. His shot was deflected into the net by a Hudds defender, which was enough to set the City Ground alight and give Cohen his first goal for the club. The man who won the penalty Jevons,was replaced after being taken out of the game by a Commons tackle. That got as much applause as the equalising goal. Cohen then sent Commons running with a great pass, but the midfielders effort went over the bar.

Huddersfield were not finished though and the Reds had to be on their guard. A fantastic shot from a Hudds player hit the post and had Smith well beaten, but the rebound was put out of danger. The time wasting due to the supposed injury to Jevons meant there would be 4 mins added time. This lifted the crowd and had an effect on the players as they pushed forward. With only 2 mins of added time left, Clingan sent a ball into the path of McGugan. He let loose with a bullet that crashed into the roof of the net and sent the crowd delirious. The ten men had fought back well and took the points they richly deserved. It was a big win this and as CC said in his post match interview, it could change the season. I hope they decide to appeal the red card for Wilson, because from what I saw it was a harsh decision.