Through the seasons before us..

Northampton Town - 1
Nottingham Forest - 2

No matter how much I like to kid myself that I’d rather not be watching or listening to Forest when they’re playing, the experience of being away from Nottingham, out of radio signal, without Sky Sports and without a mobile signal was a nice reminder that - like it or not - this is a huge part of my life that leaves me out of sorts when it’s made unavailable to me.

Forest started well in the wind, and had the lead after a mere eight minutes afer a low cross from Cohen was expertly despatched into the net with a side-footed finish by Brett Ormerod on the back post.  I could’ve been two as well - a Clingan cross finding Tyson who unfortunately headed wide.  Tyson came close again, being set free by Matt Thornhill only to have his shot blocked by Little.

At this point, a text message snuck it’s way through the backwaters:

Contrary to earlier grumbling, we’re winning 1-0 thanks to Ormerod from close range again - we’re absolutely all over them at the moment and have had other chances.. will keep you posted..

Reassuring words when cast asunder in the middle of nowhere, and pleasing too that it’s not just me who doesn’t abbreviate my text messages!  However, of course, any seasoned Forest fan will know that if we’re doing things right, then it can be rest-assured that the referee will do something to throw a spanner in the works - and Rob Styles did just that moments later.

Perch entered a 50:50 robust challenge with soon-to-be Northampton goalscorer Hubertz, both players throwing themselves into it, Styles clearly seeing something nobody else could because Perchy was given his marching orders - Sammy and Benno were booked for their continued remonstrating (which, in fairness, they shouldn’t be doing, regardless of how baffling the decision). Cue another text message…

Well, just when it seemed things were going so well.  Perch has been given a straight red for what sounded like a fairly innocuous tackle!  Sounds like it’s all kicking off big style - Bennett & Clingan have also been booked for remonstrating with the ref, and CC was on the pitch to confront him too!

Three minutes later a much harsher looking challenge by Gilligan on Bennett only warranted a yellow, probably the right decision in isolation, but considering his earlier harshness with Perch, a definite case of double-standards from the card-happy official.  The seemingly inevitable equaliser came from a throw-in which Hubertz converted via an overhead kick to get the Cobblers level.

Perhaps inevitably, Northampton have already equalised.  Somehow I can’t imagine the Reds getting anything from this game - so, are you coming to Tranny then, next month? 

With the extra man Northampton finished the stronger in the first half, Akinfenwa looked dangerous but fortunately Bennett was on hand to keep him in check, and Hubertz was less than accurate with subsequent chances that fell his way, shooting first over and then wide much to our relief.

The second half kicked off and Forest nearly pinched the lead immediately, Thornhill doing well to slip his man and cross to Tyson on the near post.  The striker didn’t have room to shoot so cleverly teed up Clingan whose shot from 20 yards rattled the crossbar.  Shortly after Thornhill was booked for arguing with the increasingly baffling Mr Styles.

Presumably mentally replaying his decisions over the course of the game, Rob Styles had developed some sympathy for Forest who he’d given fairly short change to over the couse of the game - Tyson was through and was brought down by Bunn, who was booked - Tyson picked himself up and slotted the penalty home confidently, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way in the process.

2-1 to the Reds - Tyson from the spot!  Sounds like they’re pitching in with an absolutely heroic performance… they’re all over Northampton despite being a man down…

Ormerod was withdrawn for the welcome return of Commons with around 12 minutes remaining, and shortly after this Tyson had his characteristic “I’ve scored a goal so I nust be injured” hobble, leading to treatment and a quick replacement with Junior Agogo taking to the field.  Northampton had a late chance with a freekick, but it was straight at Smith, and Commons tried a cheeky shot from range which Bunn was equal to.

Two minutes of stoppage time were on the board, a Northampton corner was struggled to be cleared - finally big Wes managed to clear the danger once and for all.  As the weather worsened the home crowd departed in numbers leaving the celebrating Reds fans to herald the end of the game and a much needed three points, and perhaps a new sense of optimism - nah, don’t be silly!

Nottingham Forest - 1
Walsall - 1

The chants from the away end were inevitable, it must be one of the few perks of being a Walsall fan that you can plan a trip to the City Ground with basically a carte blanche to get at least a point from the trip.  Today’s game was a frustrating one for us, largely due to the result - as there were plenty of positives on show from the Reds, but alas, given the timing, it was too little and too late yet again.

Forest began the game very brightly, lining up in something approximating 4-4-2 with a back four of Perch, Morgan, Wilson, Bennett, and a midfield of McGugan, Thornhill, Clingan and Cohen - with Tyson and Ormerod leading the line upfront, and - d’you know what? - it looked like it just might work for a while, too.  Cohen and McGugan were by no means out-and-out wingers, but did put in plenty of wide-time to give the midfield outlets.

Walsall had us change ends, meaning Forest attacked the Trent End in the first half unusually - and we came flying out the blocks.  Within four minutes Thornhill had twice been denied by Clayton Ince, the first chance smothered at source and the second a tremendous diving save conceding a corner with the young midfielder having shot from around 6 yards out.

Forest dominated in terms of possession, and a series of corners - there were few absolutely clear-cut chances in the following exchanges, but there was a feeling of optimism amongst the fans as well as the inevitable growing unease at the lack of direct opportunities as balls into the box just didn’t quite fall for us in the penalty area to get a clear shot fired off - we really needed it to.

Tyson looked sharp and fast, breaking at pace on numerous occasions, managing to get a ball across the face of goal just evading Ormerod on the back post.  Again, he was put clear by Cohen and - beating a defender when he really didn’t look odds on to, before hitting a powerful drive on the run from a tight angle, it was heading towards the top corner at the near post but struck the crossbar.

Moments before half time the referee almost conspired to give us a kick in the proverbials, he gave a throw-in to Forest, and as we prepared for it changed his mind giving Walsall a chance for a quick throw-in which eventually gave Sonko an opportunity to shoot on goal, which Smith saved before the clearance was made after a followup from Mooney was put clear.

We didn’t have long to wait in the second half to take the lead - Tyson was operating further left and was giving the rightback a torrid time, running at him and beating him seemingly at will.  Around four minutes into the second half, he did just that after good work from McGugan, drilling the ball across the box to find Ormerod arriving at the back post to put the ball into the net.

Perch was withdrawn for Chambers at this point, appearing to be ill rather than injured having been treated by the physio briefly after going down well away from the action - it’s a shame as he’d had a good game at rightback (despite what some of the inevitable groaners sitting around me might have said), although it was some comfort that - whilst I don’t consider Chambers a fullback - we had a ready replacement on the bench.

A carbon-copy opportunity that gave us the lead happened later - again Tyson left Roper in his wake and unleashed a very similar cross to Ormerod - this time on the near post - but sadly the loan man couldn’t find the target this time, from where I was sitting this looked the easier of the two chances too, of course at the time we were still leading so not too heartbroken.  The wonders of hindsight, eh?

Tyson was looking incredibly threatening down the left - again he burst past his marker to give himself a shooting chance from around 18 yards - and whilst it was well struck and on-target it wasn’t too difficult for Clayton Ince to deal with in the Walsall goal.  So we were feeling quite comfortable at this point, we were controlling the game and looking dangerous, whether this made the players feel too comfortable I’m not sure.

Because obviously Walsall are about due their equaliser about now - and it came from absolutely nowhere.  Sonko received the ball on the right who crossed to the back post where Mooney was lurking, with no route to goal at all, unless of course he headed the ball into Wilson’s midriff and got a lucky ricochet, which is exactly what the wily frontman did - the delay in celebrations from players and fans alike indicate how unlikely it seemed!

Walsall never exactly dominated, but did wake up and realise they could get more than the point they clearly came for - they broke quickly and looked dangerous on the break.  Clingan had to be onhand to clear a header off the line after an excellent flicked header from Mark Bradley looked goalbound all the way - so today could’ve been a lot worse.

Walsall defended in numbers and doggedly, and for their part Forest struggled to make any meaningful inroads.  Tyson, who had looked so dangerous on the left, was playing more centrally, and despite Smoulds chucking Agogo on for Cohen, and eventually Holt on for Thornhill, there were never any further clearcut chances for the Reds - indeed, it were Walsall again that caused home hearts to flutter with a header onto the bar from Mark Bradley again.

So 2 points from our last two must-win games offers no optimism to overcome my previous comments writing off our chances of automatic promotion - there were loud cries for the manager’s head from the mainstand in particular, a sentiment I’m sympathetic with.  Whilst today’s game was unlucky, and not really his fault nor the players, what has gone before means that we don’t even have the luxury of being able to write games off as bad luck.

A tough trip to Smoulds’ former club on friday - a trip Swansea made today and got a sound beating - offers us another big challenge, and to stand even the vaguest chance of getting that essential 2nd placed finish, we basically have ten must-win games remaining us.  I can’t see that happening, but the silver lining is that Tyson is looking fit and sharp, and the emergence of Matt Thornhill who looks set to be a real talent for the future.

Southend United - 1
Nottingham Forest - 1

Yet again on a night when we had to win, we fell short with only a draw on an away trip.  A dire first half, from our point of view, was owned by a Southend side who dominated the midfield, scored and worried the woodwork, a second half improvement from the Reds was alas, too little too late - great work from substitutes Tyson and Thornhill produced the goal - but despite the effort undoubtedly put in after half time by the Reds, it wasn’t enough.

With Doncaster and Carlisle registering home wins elsewhere we have lost even more ground on the sides above us - so if things looked bleak at the weekend, they look even bleaker now.  Had other results been more expected recently, a draw at Roots Hall wouldn’t have been a bad result, but tonight was an all or nothing occasion - as such, we end up with too little - and barring a miracle this consigns us to playoffs at best, a bid which was aided massively by Leeds and Walsall losing this evening.

A brave but naive move by Smoulds to start with, on paper a 3-4-3 formation with Breckin, Wilson and Morgan at the back, and with Bennett and Perch playing as pseudo-wingers either side of Cohen and Clingan in midfield, with Agogo, Ormerod and Holt up front.  To say it didn’t exactly work is perhaps as much of an understatement as it is predictable - reassuring is his changes at half time seemingly making the difference.

As Southend attacked from the outset, the inevitable happened, and our so-called ‘wingers’ became fullbacks in a back five, allowing us to be hideously overrun in midfield, and our strikers having to fall back ever deeper in order to try to get into the game.  Brecks conceded an early corner, from which Southend crafted their first chance of the game, Gower shooting and forcing the save from Smith.

Forest did create some chances - forcing a corner at the other end which Cohen put in expertly, with Bennett unfortunately only able to fire wide across the face of goal.  Southend broke quickly shortly after, a long clearance from the keeper breaking for Robson-Kanu after good work from his strike-partner, putting him clean through and able to casually slot the ball past a despairing Paul Smith to give the home side the lead.

They weren’t finished there, either - Black did well to get past Holt, and crossed into Moussa, the ball became free and Holt went to clear, somehow conspiring to do so across his own goal which ended up back with Moussa who shot from a tight angle and struck the post to cause yet more jitters in defence, and for the fans alike.

Forest’s best chance of the half came after Clingan won possession in midfield, playing quickly to Cohen who played it on quickly to Perchy on the right wing.  Perch’s cross was decent, but a too close to the keeper.  Morgan was in the referee’s bad books for a fairly nothing challenge on their ‘keeper - he still got a booking for his trouble when arguably it wasn’t really a foul.

The final act of the first half was another attack from the home side - Barrett got the ball past Holt and played an excellent cross to Peter Clarke on the back stick, who tried to head the ball back across goal only for Paul Smith to make a solid punched clearance.  So half time arrives, and arguably Forest are (despite the Forest-centric nature of my comments!) lucky to only be down by a goal.

Holt paid the price for a poor performance and was withdrawn for Nathan Tyson at half time, with Agogo picking up a slight knock and being replaced by Matt Thornhill.  As the second half got underway the more familiar 3-5-2/5-3-2 Smoulderwood-special was in effect, Forest looked more composed and dangerous without crafting any early opportunities.

Southend indeed created the first chance of the half, a Walker cross was dealt with well by Smith at the expense of a corner - however, things were to improve dramatically.  Bennett played the ball to Tyson on the left, who played a firm cross across the face of goal which found Thornhill rushing in at the back post and able to sidefoot into the roof of the net to give some cheer to the travelling Forest fans.

It could have been two moments later - Thornhill won the ball in midfield, finding Brett Ormerod who moved the ball to Cohen, whose ball found Tyson with a shooting chance, but unfortunately the striker was only able to put his shot wide of the post.  Forest were the metaphorically different side as they started to play with precision and confidence as they piled pressure onto Southend.

However, the inevitable slips still occurred, Gower wasn’t closed down and was denied by an excellent stop from Smithy, before having to see Bennett clear off the line from the follow-up effort.  The final act came in stoppage time, a freekick from 25 yards after Cohen was brought down - which predictably was spannered into the wall by Clingan - giving us a corner which eventually came to nothing.  Southend still had time to give us a scare, a shot from 25 yards bouncing awkwardly infront of Smith forcing him into conceding the corner, after which it was game over.

Smoulderwood’s post-match comments have been interesting, he has - for the first time in my memory - almost openly criticised his players, especially those who were substituted.  He described feeling hurt by the first half performance, and pleased with the second - the warm response the players received from the travelling fans is testimony to a decent second half from the lads.

And so we look forward to the arrival of perpetual bogey-side Walsall on saturday - in a position where we’re closer to dropping out of the playoff places than we are of climbing out of them.  Personally a draw still isn’t good enough, and one good half of football in two crucial games is frankly poor - hopefully whatever Smoulds said at half time tonight will carry through to our forthcoming games.

I’m grumpy about the result, about our failure to at least maintain the ludicrous gap that Carlisle and Doncaster have opened up on us, not least I’m grumpy that I had to hastily create a different image to use with the match report after we equalised (if we’d got the winner I could’ve tolerated this!), I’ll have to save the original one, I fear - alas - it will become relevant before too long.

Crewe Alexandra - 0
Nottingham Forest - 0

Even Jeff Stelling was shrewd enough on Sky to note that a goalless draw at struggling Crewe was not good enough for Nottingham Forest.  He’s quite right - let’s not mention that it was a Crewe side heavily impacted by injury too.  Frankly, I’m pleased I had other plans today so didn’t make the game, nor was around to get frustrated by listening to the match.

The start boded well, a freekick from Sammy Clingan was on target from 30 yards, but straight at the ‘keeper.  Whilst Forest perhaps dominated possession, they characteristically failed to convert this into chances on goal.  Davies had a moment where he beat two men and hit a shot which was deflected away for a corner by a defender at the near post.

After half an hour the home side mustered a chance - Forest deciding not to close down Crewe striker Joe Anyinsah who fortunately shot wide.  Agogo created a great chance for Cohen moments later, laying a ball into the penalty area for the midfielder, but unfortunately Cohen unselfishly tried to find the run of Agogo with a poor cross rather than having a go himself.

Again the second half started with Forest looking positive - Wes Morgan went marauding forward as he does occasionally, and stayed forward a while to try to make something happen.  Agogo headed goalward but was blocked and Ian Breckin of all people was on hand to connect with the rebound, unfortunately putting it just wide.

Agogo controlled well and shot well from 25 yards, which the Crewe ‘keeper did well to save, the resulting corner was nearly a Bohinen-esque goal-straight-from-a-corner, but sadly hit the bar.  A Clingan cross was punched clear by Williams, falling to Breckin whose shot was blocked by a defender as Forest did actually mount something resembling pressure on the Crewe goal.

A bit of silver lining on this cloud of a result was the return of Nathan Tyson, who was introduced for new signing Brett Ormerod (who ominously has escaped mention in the match reports I’ve picked up), although as is our way, it was some time before he was even able to get a touch of the bar. Davies had clearly picked up an injury and was withdrawn for McGugan.

Thornhill was introduced for Breckin as a final throw of the dice by Smoulderwood, but the game was set to peter out with no more chances for either side - leaving us with a measly point when only three would really do.  Meanwhile, both Doncaster and Carlisle registered home wins, as did Leeds and Southend just beneath us.

Were in not for the amusement provided by Portsmouth and Barnsley’s results against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively in the FA Cup it really would have proven a shitty weekend for football.  Once again I find myself stating that without a significant improvement, nay, a dramatic one, we can kiss automatic promotion goodbye - indeed, we could even end up dropping out of the playoffs at this rate!

As one wag on an internet forum pointed out, since Crewe had so many injuries they looked like a reserve team - you’d have to wonder if our reserves would’ve beaten them…  Smoulderwood may say we can still do it, but does anybody seriously believe him any more?

Here’s a shocker, and a pleasant one - we’ve signed Brett Ormerod on loan for the remainder of the season from Preston North End.  He’s been handed the number 18 shirt, and looks likely to be involved immediately against Crewe Alexandra tomorrow.

He’s 31 years old, and has found himself on the fringes at Preson, making just nine starts this season, and eleven appearances as a substitute - during this run in the side he’s picked up only one goal.  His career started at Blackpool, where he scored 62 goals in 124 starts before moving to Southampton.  He’s had a rough time on the injury front lately, which are thought to have limited his opportunity at Deepdale.

So welcome on board Brett - certainly we’ve all expressed concern over our lack of striker cover - and given Will Hoskins’ continued struggle with his back injury, the need for additional cover was all too clear.  Sure, Brett isn’t going to solve all our problems, but it will give us another dimension up front - so it’s nice to have some nice news to report for a change!

Nottingham Forest - 0
Carlisle United - 1

As sure as eggs is eggs, when Forest play infront of Sky Sports’ cameras, you can be sure that some sort of calamity will ensue - and tonight proved to be no exception.  It was a game that will leave a sour taste for many Forest fans, to the point where they will forget the positives that did come from the game - and there were some.  Unfortunately a dogged and hardworking Carlisle side were gifted the chance to score, and all that good work was undone in painfully familiar fashion.

Rather than toasting our re-ascendence to second place, we are looking up at a five point gap to reach tonight’s opponents.  We are looking at our fine run of results at the City Ground coming to an end, and frankly - I believe - we’re looking at a playoffs-at-best finish to the season unless something changes rather dramatically on the field for us.  Pivotal was this game, and unlike this time last season, we have two would-be second place competitors rather than just the one.

So, the game - Forest lined up with a back four, with James Perch coming in at rightback for the injured Chambers, the suspended Breckin was replaced with McGugan in midfield as Smoulders opted to defy the logical formation and instead go for his widthless and shapeless 4-3-3 formation, with Clingan in the holding role, Cohen and McGugan further forward and Holt, Agogo and Commons alternately drifting into isolated wide positions.

Carlisle were quickest out the blocks and had both a freekick and a corner within the opening minutes, culminating in a shot wide.  Beyond this the first half was mostly about Forest, our first chance fell to Agogo from a Bennett cross - alas the striker was unable to do much other than shoot straight at the ‘keeper.

Commons went for the spectacular, which at the time I didn’t blame him for, however Grant Holt was unmarked on the back stick and would’ve been better placed to convert - had his effort gone in, of course, we would have immediately forgotten about his greediness.  Probably the best spell of football in the game followed this, we won the ball in midfield and eventually the ball was deftly flicked on by the heel of Agogo to Commons, who sadly spannered his shot well wide.

A foray forward for the visitors saw Wilson unusually let an opponent get the better of him, fortunately his lay-off to a teammate was spooned over the bar to spare our blushes.  After this Commons whipped a superb corner in, Bennett rose brilliantly to meet it - only for Westwood to rise to the challenge and tip the goalbound header over the bar.

Forest at this point applied the pressure to Carlisle who were content to defend in numbers and close down the ball very quickly - despite a series of corners to the Reds, the away side defended valiantly which meant chances weren’t exactly numerous or clear-cut.  Holt was the next culprit for missing one of these chances, hotting over from a Commons cross.

Probably the chance of the game from our point of view came in at the death of the first half, Bennett put in a wicked cross which practically dropped onto Grant Holt’s head at the far post, but the striker seemingly headed the ball backwards rather than goalwards preventing the net from bulging.  So at half time we were quite pleased - we’d had the best of the game and restricted Carlisle to relatively little possession nor attacking play.

As the second half began it was again Carlisle who started the brightest, taking a freekick quickly and - fortunately for us - Bridge-Wilkinson missing the target.  Their best chance of the game came shortly after - a cross from the right went right across the face of goal but luckily again under the foot of Bridge-Wilkinson when a goal looked a certainty.

Forest, however, were much more fragmented this half.  The insane one’s formation looked even more shapeless and purposeless, and succeeded only in overcrowding midfield without providing any outlets out wide - except for our opponents, of course, often leaving Perchy and Bennett with two opponents running at them.

When we did get forward, Carlisle were back in numbers - they closed down, harried and threw bodies in the way of practically everything that we tried to fashion - increasingly the fans, who had got behind the team well in the first half, started to resort to the usual chuntering and moaning (self included, it has to be said!).

The goal came from an unfortunate error of judgement by Paul Smith, who came a long way to claim a ball from the right which he fumbled, as it fell to Danny Graham the defence and Smith alike seemed absolutely dumbstruck as the hardworking striker stroked the ball into the open goal from a tight angle to give the visitors a rather fortunate lead.

For all their effort and endeavour that followed, Forest just couldn’t seem to find any penetration and all their attempts at getting back into the game were confounded by the large numbers in defence for the visitors.  The best opportunity we had was from a freekick after Bridge-Wilkinson had almost taken Sammy Clingan’s head off - Commons struck it brilliantly, but frankly, their keeper didn’t really have to move to tip it over (he did, for the cameras - but he was practically stood on the post Commo went for).

Davies was introduced for McGugan but struggled to get involved, and eventually Garath McCleary made his debut from the bench, replacing James Perch and taking position on the left wing.  He had a few touches, but little chance to impress in the time he had on the pitch, and ultimately the game fizzled away - the only remaining chance being put wide into the stantion by Grant Holt after good work from Davies.

So, I think it’s fair to say we were unlucky - however, we were very wasteful too.  Carlisle are to be admired for their workrate and taking their chance when it came (not that it was difficult!) - we really are more often than not our own worst enemies and tonight was no exception, both on the pitch and off it, as well as in the stands.

Which brings me to the fans - we were decent in the first half, but frankly, if the tickets-for-a-fiver deal brings some of the morons who came out of the woodwork, then stop doing it.  The abuse levelled at Paul Smith (yes, he made a mistake - generally when that happens to a goalkeeper, it involves a goal!) and James Perch (who had a decent, if nervous-looking, game I thought) was ridiculous where I was sitting - I hope these people don’t come back any time soon.

Naturally I’m gutted - and I do think that this result, unless followed by a rather spectacular change in form and results, is a significant nail in the coffin of automatic promotion for us this season.  We have a certain amount of control of our own destiny with so many games against teams towards the top of the table, but frankly, it’s when we have control of our own destiny that I’m most nervous!

So - and I’ve not checked out the message boards yet, but I can predict their contents - it’s not quite the End Times that I’m chronicalling this evening, but it could rapidly become a dent in our aspirations.  Just as our home run has been ended this evening, we need to be starting an away run - and we certainly need to return the favour to tonight’s opponents by getting three points against them on 1st April.

Just a reminder for those £5 ticket wielding people who perhaps haven’t seen as many games this season - Paul Smith is a fucking good goalkeeper, the error he made was from him doing precisely the thing that people like you harangue him to do every week (ie, come out for crosses when he’d be better off staying on his line).  Just because you’ve read on a message board somewhere that James Perch hasn’t been playing well, slagging him off when he’s been okay is a pretty pointless endeavour.

Finally, is it possible to abstain from being featured on Sky Sports?  Please?

Forest have today announced that despite the doom-like prophecies surrounding his injury, Will Hoskins had made excellent progress in recovering from his back problem.  Rumours have been going around about the place that he was heading back to Watford, that we’d not see him again in a Forest shirt, and that he was somehow involved in last night’s Earthquake.

It transpires none of these rumours are true, and after period of recuperation the striker is set to return to training this week, and will hopefully feature in first team contention soon after Monday’s game at the City Ground against Carlisle - a game that Smoulds claims will probably come too soon for the recovering striker.

This is excellent news indeed - of course, a few days out of training will have done little for his fitness, which in terms of match-sharpness looked a little off prior to the injury, but with Tyson’s injury having Will available for selection sooner rather than later will be a huge boost given the kind of games we have coming up against fellow promotion-chasers.

Leyton Orient - 0
Nottingham Forest - 1

It didn’t need to be pretty, but boy did we need three points today - and we got them thanks to, I was going to say a daisy-cutter, but frankly, even an average daisy would’ve stopped Agogo’s shot, so let’s call it a pea-roller that somehow squirmed into the goal to give the vital victory to the Reds in a game that, whilst they dominated, struggled to convert half-chances into decent attempts on goal.

Junior tested the Orient keeper within the first minute with a shot from 20 yards, but it wasn’t enough to cause any great trouble to him.  After the game had settled down a bit on the ten minute mark, the 12-year-old Demetriou had Orient’s first effort of the game, similarly straight at the ‘keeper leaving Smithy with an easy stop to make.

Wilson picked up an injury which looked serious, and saw us playing with 10 men for a spell with Sammy slotting in at the back to cover - fortunately he was able to return to action and so Forest reverted to the back three system, although today it did look more like a 3-5-2 rather than 5-3-2 formation thanks to the endeavours of Chambers and Bennett pushing forward down the wings.

Despite having possession, Forest were struggling to create chances - Commons shot from the edge of the box but it was an easy save, and then a series of dangerous deliveries into the box just seemed to evade any of the black-shirted Forest players, which is a shame as Orient’s defending on crosses was absolutely shambolic, alas, so was our attacking of them, it seemed!

Further chances before half time fell to Cohen, who shot wide, and from Agogo who drew another save from Nelson.  Much like at the City Ground, Orient played into our hands by showing us far too much respect - Forest, for their part, worked hard at harrying and closing down the home side to limit their opportunities to get into the game.  It wasn’t pretty, or convincing, from Forest - but it was a damn sight better than what we’ve seen lately away from the City Ground.

The second half kicked off and Orient were much more positive - which worried me incase we’d expended our positivity and energy in the first half.  Smithy dealt well with a cross coming in, and Wes characteristically threw himself infront of everything that came his way.  Bennett broke forward despite being fouled, the referee waved advantage and he found Cohen who’s cross was well dealt with by Nelson.

Our first chance proper came in the form of a freekick, Commons was felled on the edge of the box - and took the kick himself, curling a powerful shot over the wall and on target.  Nelson saved well, but made a meal of it, and conceded the corner.  From this point Forest really turned the screws on the home side, building up the pressure - Commons and Agogo combined well, but Holt could only direct his shot on the turn straight at the keeper.

The goal came as a result of ‘one of those’ forward forays by Wes Morgan - with a series of bamboozling and clumsy stepovers, he managed to beat two players after which the ball broke for Agogo who hit an incredibly tame - but thankfully accurate shot - goalward, which somehow crept into the bottom right hand corner.  The excellent travelling fans paused for a second, in disbelief it had gone in, before celebrating along with pretty much the whole Forest team.

Pleasingly Forest continued to come forward, Chambers crossed excellently and it was good work from Nelson to get back to conceded a corner.  After creating the goal, Wes almost gave Orient one back when a sliced clearance ended up hitting our own post - after a bit of kerfufflery in the penalty area that had our hearts in our mouths, the ball was cleared at the expense of a corner.

Brecks - who had an excellent game (despite the idiot behind me slating him during the entire game despite it being evident he was having a good game!!) - picked up a daft booking after booting the ball into the stand after it had already crossed the line, a bit silly, although the referee didn’t see fit to punish the Orient player who kicked the ball away after the whisle earlier.  Needless to say, it was - as ever - a shite ref.  Brecks will now miss the Carlisle game.

The increasingly tired looking Agogo was withdrawn for McGugan, with Commons pushing upfront with Holt, and Lewis slotting into midfield - probably a sensible move given the lack of comfort in the scoreline, rather than chucking Sinclair on.  Although some characteristic ‘trying-to-be-too-clever-when-a-simple-pass-is-available’ goblin nearly struck him straight away - gifting possession to Orient who certainly finished the game stronger.

Davies was introduced for Commons, and immediately got involved with some nice touches and skills - which is good to see.  Given his lack of pitch time for us it’s difficult to make my mind up about him, but he looked lively, and teed up a half chance for McGugan which the youngster unfortunately spannered wide, there were also moments where he linked up with his old Yeovil teammate Cohen in promising fashion.

Forest did still have the odd foray forward though, a cross from Chambers was met by Grant Holt, unfortunately the fact he was moving backwards to get it and the cross was floated meant he couldn’t get much purchase on it to get power - so it ended up a fairly soft header straight at the ‘keeper again.  Perchy was introduced for Chambers (Perchy? At right back? Fookin’ hell!), I was expecting him to replace Bennett who’d pulled up with cramp, but Jules soldiered on to the final whistle.

As the whistle went there was much-longed-for celebrations amongst the players and fans alike, it was a bit cheesy but nice to see the squad and staff come over with arms linked to give a bow to the travelling Reds fans who’d been on pretty good form themselves over the course of the afternoon.  With Carlisle beating Doncaster it puts us back into the automatic promotion spots, which has to be a good thing!

On the way back to the tube I was listening to the home fans, who were quite rightly saying things like “I don’t think if we had 2 days of stoppage time we’d have scored” - it’s true that Orient didn’t really remotely threaten us, which could take some shine off a win, or - and this is how I see it - reflects really well on how we shut them out of the game.  Of course there was fortune in the manner of our scoring, but we certainly deserved to win.

Nottingham Forest - 1
Swindon Town - 0

If tuesday night’s game at Elland Road was an advert for the kind of frenetic and exciting game encapsulated by a great atmosphere can occur in League One, this one was something approximating the opposite.  The day started for me wandering down the steps next to Lady Bay Bridge fearing it was too much for one Forest fan to take, but rather than jumping off the bridge, they appeared to be abseiling.

Before the game had even started the topic of conversation was very much focused around Nathan Tyson, and how a goal would do his confidence the world of good.  One wag casually remarked that he’d probably score today and promptly get injured and be out for a few weeks - how depressingly prophetic that remark appears to have been, as we await the results of a scan on his troublesome hamstring on Monday.

It was the visitors who started more positively, forcing two early corners - but never actually threatening the goal.  Tys got a block in on their goalkeeper’s clearance, but he was able to grab hold of the ball as it ricocheted off the Forest striker so we weren’t able to capitalise on the opportunity.

Agogo perhaps could’ve got to a deflected Cohen shot if he was quicker on his toes, but the keeper was out quite quickly to smother the ball.  Shortly after this Tyson was felled when past the last man, but heading towards the corner flag resulting in a booking for Ifill despite rather hopeful claims for a red card from some of the Forest fans.  Commons struck the resulting freekick which was blocked.

Wes was ordered off the pitch shortly after this, after his second elbow-to-the-face from Swindon’s fat lad up front - Billy Paynter.  The referee of course didnt notice the cause of the cut on his head, and Wes was gone for a good ten minutes before returning looking like Mr Bump with a big bandage on his head - reminiscent of Stan Collymore all those years ago!

Despite still only having ten men, Forest still threatened with Tyson bursting forward some distance before crossing towards Commons, but the effort was deflected behind for a corner.  The next action of note was a freekick for Forest just outside the D, McGugan struck it into the wall, but the rebound fell back to him to strike beautifully towards the goal - but alas not far enough from the ‘keeper who made a decent save.  I counted that as our first shot on target - it was 40 minutes on the clock.

The referee scandalously not only gave a foul, but booked Wes “Mr Bump” Morgan for a tremendous tackle on Blair Sturrock, the resulting freekick yielded Swindon’s only shot on target in the whole game - and it was a tame one that Smithy didn’t really have to work too hard to prevent going in.  I imagine Terry the Kitman was rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect of getting away without washing Smith’s kit until then!

The first five minutes of the second half really passed without meaningful incident, and the atmosphere was certainly lacking - but that was about to change.  Matt Lockwood played a great throughball to Tyson who accelerated easily past his man before beating Brezovan at his near post.  As he squared up to shoot I was getting ready for ranting about him playing across the goalline to Agogo or Commons who were steaming in, but thankfully the Tyson-of-old had returned and it was in the net - a cracking finish!

Tyson was almost on target again immediately after - as we entered perhaps the only ten minute spell in the game that could be classified as entertaining.  His effort was from around the 25 yard mark and was marginally over the bar.  McGugan was next on the effort stakes, he did brilliantly to cut inside his man to make space for a shot, but he scooped it over the bar and into the Swindon fans with his left foot from around 12 yards.

Swindon half-threatened occasionally during this spell, but didn’t ever have any end product.  Cohen almost got on the end of a McGugan throughball but for a last-gap interception.  Tyson worked well again to burst down the left and play a delicious cross to Agogo who conspired to hit the ball wide from inside 6 yard box, which was rather a disappointment for our International megastar!

It transpired the linesman couldn’t keep up, or he didn’t know the offside flag, as he gave a number of highly dubious decisions against both Tyson and Agogo - and then didn’t flag when Junior was a mile offside and had stopped his run as a result.  Tyson was soon limping as our pre-match prophet had predicted, and was withdrawn to a good round of applause for Arron Davies.  Agogo too was withdrawn for Emile Sinclair.

The game continued to basically be an exhibition of poor-passing between two poor sides before McGugan - who has just signed a new deal ’til 2011 (that was the supposedly exciting exclusive in today’s programme!) - was substituted for James Perch.  Forest characteristically sat back as the officials produced four minutes of stoppage time from somewhere.

Swindon did push forward, but with no real idea nor purpose, Sinclair did get forward well and tried to hold up the ball a bit - but he does seem quite lightweight still and not as quick as I remembered from previous appearances.  The game basically fizzled out with Swindon hopefully hoofing the ball forward, and Forest defending stoutly - before the final whistle ended the boredom!

A good three points, and cheered too by both other local sides winning to hopefully ease their relegation fears.  The result of the day has to be Barnsley who beat the dirty Scousers in the FA Cup - that got the second biggest cheer of the afternoon at the City Ground, so a big well done to them!  The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well, it seems!

Speaking of the FA Cup, sitting watching the Manchester United vs. Arsenal game on BBC1 is quite depressing, it’s currently 4-0 to the home side - how many of us can remember a time when a trip to Old Trafford once held no fear for us?  One of the many reminders of how low we have sunk as we laboured to beat a very poor Swindon team 1-0, whilst only looking marginally better than them.

Still, a win is a win, and this became our game in hand on Doncaster as their game with Leeds was postponed due to their - brand new - pitch being frozen.  Presumably the budget for the new ground didn’t include under-soil heating?  If we can somehow end our awayday blues at Carlisle on Tuesday then I think our season will be reignited - apparantly Hoskins should be back for this, Tyson is unlikely to be fit for it.

For now, I’ll just depress myself with watching United stroke the ball around their Old Trafford pitch with aplomb - although I’m enjoying the “You’re going out with the Scousers!” chanting being directed at the poor Arsenal fans who are busy emptying the away end.

Leeds United - 1
Nottingham Forest - 1

I was set to declare February 12th as Julian Bennett day, after he not only scored but cleared one off the line this evening at Elland Road.  Alas a harsh penalty gave Leeds an equaliser from the spot, in a hotly contested game in which Forest can feel rightly disappointed not to have won.  That said, a couple of handball decisions weren’t given against us, so maybe there’s a hint of sour grapes.

Driving home from work with the radio on, Robin Chipperfield went through the teams and announced Forest starting with a back five, which had me howling with derision - much to the consternation of my fellow commuters, wondering quite why somebody was headbutting his steering wheel repeatedly.  However, credit where it’s due, Smoulderwood’s tactics so nearly delivered that win.

In many ways a draw was predictable, Leeds have struggled to win anywhere lately - and our away performances of late do not bear revisiting.  Tonight was not one of those, tonight was a spirited performance from the Reds who created a plethora of chances which will leave us all wishing that Nathan Tyson in particular had a bit more confidence and composure at the moment.

The first half proved to be a high-tempo but scrappy affair, both sides clearly feeling the pressure of the fixture and making unforced errors aplenty.  The first chance of note fell to Commons from range, the familiar “why is he shooting from there?” comment aired on the radio, the ball falling kindly for Will Hoskins who teed Kris up for a second bite, but he could only blast wide from the edge of the area.

Howson drew first blood for the home side, a powerful drive from long range which didn’t present Smithy with too many problems as it was straight at him.  At the other end, Forest forced a corner which Commons whipped in onto the head of Ian Breckin who headed just over.  At the other end the dangerous Kenton whipped a ball across the face of goal, where Leeds protested a handball from Chambers which was waved on by the referee.

Leeds almost had us foxed with a quickly taken short corner (which should have been a goalkick, hence the slow reaction), the ball eventually ending up with Bradley Johnson who brought an excellent save from Paul Smith to concede another corner as Leeds did apply the pressure in a good spell.

Tyson spurned possibly the chance of the game, a poor clearance was powerfully headed forward by Julian Bennett towards the striker who put himself clear one on one with the ‘keeper - but alas he lacked composure and dragged his shot wide of the post.  The last chance of the half fell to Leeds when Hughes crossed it in and Johnson put the ball wide.

The second half started quickly too, and Forest were very much in the ascendency early doors.  Commons hit a shot from the edge of the box which was well saved by the ‘keeper.  Tyson again missed a golden chance when a Breckin ball over the top was latched onto, but his first touch made the chance awkward for him, and again failed to hit the target with only the ‘keeper to beat - this time with his right foot.

Tyson almost made amends seconds later with a tremendous break down the right, where he whipped in a wicked cross towards striker-partner Will Hoskins, who was agonisingly close to connecting after gambling in the box.  Shortly after this another penalty appeal from the home side, the ball did appear to strike Hoskins’ arm, but only as it was down his side, the referee rightly turned down the appeal made by the Leeds players surrounding the him baying for a penalty.

This perceived misjustice did spur a revival from the home side, the corner from the penalty-that-never-was found Sheehan in space, whose shot was deflected for another corner.  However Forest still had attacking in mind - Chambers rightly looked gutted to have missed a free header from a mere 6 yards out, the ball ending up wide of the post.

Smoulderwood oddly elected to make early substitutions at this point, Sammy Clingan introduced for Lewis McGugan - who picked up a knock during the game in transpires, and Grant Holt for Will Hoskins, presumably due to a lack of match fitness.  Lewis can’t have been feeling too bad, as he was visibly disappointed to be withdrawn from the action.

Commons had another shot from range, striking the ball powerfully along the ground - the Leeds ‘keeper spilled it almost into the path of Tyson, but was able to gather the ball at the second attempt, before entering into a spot of theatrics with some contact he imagined between himself and the Forest striker. 

The goal came next, a throw-in found Commons who whipped in a delicious cross which found Julian Bennett on the penalty spot, who unleashed a powerful header into the top corner of the ‘net right infront of the Forest fans, causing the inevitable delirium that such events generally do - so that’s two in two for Benno, what a pity he’s suspended at the weekend.

Forest reassuring didn’t just sit on it, either - Holt combined well with Tyson who attempted to lob Ankergen but the ‘keeper did tremendously well to get his fingertips to it to prevent the ball crossing the line - that would have done us and Tys the world of good, if anyone really needs a goal, it’s him.

Leeds almost equalised through Peter Sweeney, who had Smith well beaten however Bennett threw himself in a super-human fashion to clear with his head - spurring Forest and their fans alike to continue to press forward to dominate the match.  In response Leeds pushed forward with late substitutions to bolster their attack and pumped balls into the box at every opportunity.

The inevitable negative substitution happened now, James Perch coming on for Kris Commons - this is one area I will criticise the manager, Perchy had nothing to do with the goal we were soon to concede, but things were going well for us, and a move like that - and taking off our only remaining creative player - sends out a message to the side that we’re gonna defend.  To do it as we were defending a corner is just plain daft.

The equaliser, as we know, came from the penalty spot - it was a case of third-time lucky for dubious penalty claims for the home side.  Kandol went to ground easily supposedly aided by Wes Morgan, the decision was disputed by the Reds players - which is always a pointless endeavour - Jermaine Beckford slotted the ball neatly into the net, sending Smith the wrong way.

It was always going to be a tense finish, and both sides had opportunities to nick the points, but ultimately the game finished in a draw - meaning Leeds run without a win goes on, as does our quest for a win on our travels.  Naturally losing a lead to a late goal, particularly a questionable penalty (although of course, I’ve yet to see the incident) is absolutely gutting.

On the positive side, we created chances - lots of them.  We spurned them too, certainly tonight dropping points is as much down to our own lack of composure infront of goal as much as a supposed injustice at the end - we had the chances to have put the game beyond doubt before then.  We should also remember there were two potential handballs that weren’t given - deliberate or not, we’ve all seen them given.

And let’s also remember a good save from Smith, and a super-human goal-line clearance from goalscorer Julian Bennett.  The travelling Forest fans made plenty of noise throughout the game, and they responded warmly to the team and manager alike - and that reaction is my barometer for this.  Ask me this morning if I’d take a draw, and I would have - naturally I’m gutted we didn’t manage the win after having the better of the game, but there’s plenty of silver lining on this cloud.

So, since I’ve been ready to lay into Smoulders of late, he does deserve some credit tonight.  The five at the back seemed to do the trick to deal with the aerial assault Leeds pushed onto us, the initial substitutions were like-for-like (ish) and apparently prompted by injury and fitness - the only issue I have is the final change, but if the travelling fans can forgive him this, then I will too.

So perhaps we weren’t really robbed by Leeds at all - we must show more composure with our chances, if we had a dodgy penalty at the death would be irrelevant.  So I have that peculiar mixture of pleasure and disappointment - and I’ll tell you what, I’ve not felt that excited, tense and downright terrified whilst listening to a Forest away day for a long time.  Well done the Reds, keep that up and the results will come.