Managers On Forest V Yeovil

Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood has challenged his side to stay at the top of League One after Grant Holt’s goal against Yeovil put them back at the summit.


Forest lost top spot after a dismal league run in December but regained it when Oldham snatched a late equaliser at Scunthorpe, and Calderwood is determined to keep them there.

He said: ‘The Oldham result was something of a bonus for us but, having got back to the top of the table we want to do everything in our power to stay there.

‘We want to remain top by our own achievements – not rely on other teams and results doing things for us.

‘It was an important day in the division because six out of the top seven teams were playing each other and we are one of only two who have come out with maximum points.

‘We might not have been at our best in what were very difficult conditions but the result was far more important to us than the performance. What we did was fight like tigers to make sure we would hang on to the goal that we got.’

The decisive breakthrough came just three minutes after the break with Holt scoring his fourth goal in five matches and his 14th of the season.

It came from a mistake by Yeovil goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall, who dropped a cross from Julian Bennett in the swirling wind and Holt pounced to fire an effort through a crowded box into the net.

Yeovil boss Russell Slade said: ‘We gave them that window of opportunity and they made it count.

‘It was Steve’s mistake but he doesn’t make many and he was the first to hold his hands up afterwards.

‘To be honest I don’t think there was a lot in the game and the way we started, we were the ones in control in terms of possession.

‘Even then I thought we had more in our locker and although the level of our display was okay, it’s not good enough if you are going to be successful.

‘Having said that, Forest are right up there and if we finish a point behind them we won’t be too far away. Perhaps it’s good that we are disappointed when we lose at a place like this.’





Nottingham Evening Post