A few surprises in the starting XI with Perch at left back and Chambers at centre half in the absence of Lynch and Wilson. Neither let anyone down and made a real impression on the game.
 
The first half was a non-event, Chambers hit the bar from a rare corner and otherwise we barely threatened. Whilst Coventry weren’t just there to make up the numbers and should really have made the most of a couple of decent chances that came their way.
 
Things improved in the second half primarily through the introduction of McCleary for Anderson. McCleary might not always deliver the perfect final ball but you can’t knock his attitude or ability to make something happen from nothing. He has that extra pace and skill to beat a man that very few others in our squad possess. Straight from the kick-off he beat his full back twice, supplied decent crosses, got us moving forwards and the crowd going.
 
In the end it was McGugan’s run down the right, cross to Blackstock and a perfect lay-off into the path of Perch to score with a cool finish. For all his faults in the first half, Perch was in decent form in the second. A fantastic run from nowhere and finish and a number of timely tackles when Coventry threatened down their right.
 
Cohen showed the energy that has carried us this season so beat one challenge on the edge of the area but his rising shot was tipped over. McCleary continued to torment their left back but too often there was no one there to provide the finish to his efforts.
 
Even in the closing stages, we looked solid and managed to avoid those nervy moments that so often accompany Forest wins. Davies seems to be working his influence on the squad and we look much better for it. He’s decisive with his substitutions, often making changes at half-time when a game’s not going our way. He seems to be thriving in our battle to stay up and we have a much better appreciation of our opponents and setup our team to counter their threats.
 
Whilst everyone else was dropping points down the bottom, we put in an efficient performance against a determined three points and deserved it in the end.
 
MOTM Chambers finally got to play in his natural position in the centre of defence and it showed. For the majority of his Forest career so far, he’s been stuck out on the right hand side, never lacking in effort but he’s never naturally fitted into that position unlike Gunter or Moloney. However, with something to prove he really made a positive impression and looked in control and dominate throughout. In Wilson’s absence for the remaining games, he deserves the chance to prove that he’s a long term option in this position.
 
Gunter showed his versatility by impressing at right back this time. He’s slotted into the side with ease and his energy down both flanks has become a feature of our recent displays. Perch struggled in the first half and looked like he was just filling  that position. However, the goal and subsequent performance was in complete contrast.
 
Osbourne also continues to impress, linking the whole team together, rarely giving the ball away and having the ability to get himself out of tricky midfield situations. With every game he shows what we’ve been missing by playing other sub-standard players in the centre of midfield. McGugan was much improved in the second half, starting to play as a member of a team instead of a one-man showcase of his talents.
 
Anderson struggled to make much impression on the game and in the end it was his injury and McCleary’s arrival that formed the basis for the win. Cohen is finally starting to show signs of tiredness despite almost single handedly driving our side forward for months now. A well earned rest and Player of the Season award should be just around the corner.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Luke Chambers