‘Nothing Is Certain’ – Pilkington

Kevin Pilkington has warned Nottingham Forest not to take their two goal play-off semi-final lead for granted.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper was between the posts for Mansfield in 2004 when they grabbed a 2-0 first leg win at Northampton – then managed by current Forrest boss Colin Calderwood.

But in the return at Field Mill, the Stags conceded three times and were almost on their way out until Tom Curtis pulled a goal back. It made it 3-3 on aggregate and Mansfield eventually went through on penalties.

Pilkington, now at Notts County, said it proved anything is possible, but he believes that experience for Calderwood will help the Reds when they entertain Yeovil tomorrow night with a 2-0 advantage.

This time it will be Calderwood enjoying the two-goal cushion, but Pilkington said it is vital Forest try to play positive football.

He said: ‘At 2-0 it is a funny result and maybe we did not think as positively as we could have done.

‘We did not go out to sit back but I think we were a bit tentative. There was nerves and tension around and we should have gone on to make it comfortable.

‘I think by half time it was 2-2 on aggregate and they scored straight after half time and put us on the back foot and the nerves crept in but luckily Tom Curtis rescued us.

‘It is one of those games where you have to go out and be positive and play your normal game and I think everything will take care of itself.’

Calderwood sent his Northampton side out three years ago to attack all out, but Pilkington said that experience will ensure the Forest manager knows what to expect now the boot is on the other foot.

‘Northampton had nothing to lose and came out all-guns blazing and you have to be wary of that because they know an early goal will make it interesting,’ he said.

‘Forest have to take that on board, but at the same time play their own game, don’t make unforced errors and enjoy it.

‘Calderwood was the Northampton boss that day so he has the experience in his locker from the other perspective and will use that as he is a good manager.

‘Hopefully his players will take all that on board from him and it is an experienced squad with the likes of Ian Breckin, John Curtis and players like that.

‘Forest should not have pressure on them and must go out and enjoy the game and if they do they will come out with the right result and head to Wembley.