After all the talk, the end of season play-off challenge ended in
anti-climax as results elsewhere went against us from the start. Having
only been in the top six for the briefest of periods, we can't really
complain at our final placing of seventh.
Having filled two sides of the ground, Forest certainly weren't lacking
in support but on the day the team lacked the quality required to win
the game. A case of so near, yet so far. From that moment since we
actually reached the top 6, the team has failed to perform to the
required standards.
Gerrard was brought back into the starting line-up in place of Pedersen
with the rest of the team unchanged.
The game was a real anti-climax with Forest out of the top 6 for the
whole game and never looking like having a chance to gate-crash the
play-off party. Almost as soon as the game started, Swansea were in
front and then after Bradford scored, Barnsley took the lead.
Forest started pretty well and half a couple of half chances before
Bridge-Wilkinson shot from outside the area. Gerrard could only manage
to push the ball straight to Windass who hammered home the rebound. Big
error from the keeper who really should have either caught the ball or
pushed it round the post. Palming it back onto the penalty spot was
schoolboy stuff.
With this error and shocking kicking, it was a poor return to the
starting XI from someone who should not be making these basic mistakes.
Forest forced a series of free kicks on the right wing which Commons
could only deliver into the keepers hands as if he was shooting for
goal. Very disappointing with the number of goals we've scored recently
from set pieces.
Commons and Grant Holt had other efforts saved with another cleared off
the line before half time.
The second half started in a similar fashion with Holt again chesting
and volleying from the edge of the area but the keeper saving again.
Commons shot from outside the area produced another decent save.
The only real moment of excitement came after Walsall had equalised
against Barnsley but that soon disappeared when they fell behind soon
after.
As Forest went forward, Bradford looking dangerous on the break and
should really have increased their lead but their shot hit the underside
of the bar and stayed out.
The deserved equaliser came in the 88th minute when we finally delivered
a decent corner to the far post. Bennett headed into the bottom corner
despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.
A fair point earned against a battling opposition. We were just lacking
the necessary quality to unlock a defence well organised by David
Weatherall. We Forest searching for goals, Lester should have been
introduced much earlier than the 76 minute to provide support for Tyson
and Holt.
As with many games this season, we struggled to provide the necessary
supply for Tyson's pace. This really needs addressing before next season
to take advantage of his pace and energy.
Even though he didn't have a bad game, Perch should never have played in
central midfield. Clingan has the qualities to offer a much better
partnership with Gary Holt.
Others struggled to maintain the level of performances they've displayed
earlier, in particular Southall, Bennett and Tyson spring to mind.
The team has improved over the course of the season with the problem
positions of left back and centre forward resolved. Once we have a new
manager in place, we can look to address the issues of a new goalkeeper
with Gerrard out of contract. We might also need a new left winger
should Commons leave and it's a possibility that the likes of
Breckin/Morgan or Tyson could attract bids with their recent
performances.
Should be an interesting summer - see you in August!
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