Forest Win A Moral Booster

Nottingham Forest deservedly came away with all 3 points last night, as they pulled off an unlikely 2-0 win away at Carlisle. Second half goals from Chambers and McCleary, gave a much needed boost for both the fans and the club alike.

The game was played in windy conditions and Forest had it to their advantage in the 1st half. A lively start from both sides showed this was going be a real battle. The Reds could have taken the lead in the opening minutes, but Chambers failed to connect with a decent cross from Cohen.

But the home side were soon on the attack and the ever dangerous Graham sent a shot just wide. It was cagey stuff and both sides were having chances, but neither could find a breakthrough. There was a change of referee for the second time on the night. Mike Halsey was a late replacement for Mike Riley, but he had to go off with what sounded like a hamstring injury. The 4th official, M. Oliver replaced him.

As the half came to a close, it was probably the Cumbrians that just about shaded it. But 0-0 would normally be seen as a decent result, if Lucky Leeds were not winning away at Doncaster. Tyson took yet another knock late in the half and it was enough to see him replaced by Garath McCleary at the start of the 2nd. This could be a major concern for Forest and the run in, as it appears it may be his hamstring again.

Morgan was replaced by Breckin early into the half, because he had been ill during the break. Things were not looking good for us and the home side looked to be taking the upper hand. McCleary and Cohen were doing well though and gave hope that we may get something out of the game. Graham was a threat all night long and could have taken the lead were it not for some good work by Smith in the Forest goal.

As the game wore on, it was becoming a cagey and nervous affair with both sides committing men forward and wanting the win. The breakthrough came from the Reds and a bullet of a header from Luke Chambers. But could we hold onto a lead for 25 mins? You wouldn’t normally put money but they did and how.

Carlisle had previously gone 14 home games unbeaten and were not going to lose this without a fight. They put the Reds under pressure and were determined to pull it back. The home side made changes and now had three up front. Despite this, the dedence held firm and somehow defied the odds and added to their lead.

Garath McCleary popped up with his first goal for the club and what an important one it was too. As Forest were hanging on for their lives, we hit them on the break. Good work from Cohen and late sub Sinclair, saw McCleary knock the ball home and secure victory for the Reds.

Not many, me included gave us a prayer in this one, but an attacking formation of 4-3-3 in the 1st half, followed by 4-4-2 in the 2nd shows maybe we have enough about us to get out of this division. All we the fans want is for the players and management of this club to have the same passion and pride that we have. They showed last night, that maybe they do care about the club and that they may indeed get us up. More of the same please lads and well done!