Forest traveled to Ashton Gate with a squad decimated by injury, forcing David Platt to give Chris Doig only his third full start, and giving a First Team debut to 18 year old David Prutton.
Everyone had anticipated a difficult night, with Forest only having a single goal advantage, but apart from a couple of scary moments, it was Forest who were in control for most of the game, and they could easily have won this game by four or five clear goals.
Bristol went straight on the attack, and Crossley saved well from Pinamonte in the first minute. The Reds hit back and should have taken the lead after 5 minutes. Quashie sent Rogers clear down the left, and he played an inch perfect ball into the box for Harewod. Unfortunately, Marlon showed none of the composure he displayed in the first leg and failed to even hit the target from only 5 yards out. Marlon had another chance to redeem himself after half an hour. Louis-Jean crossed from the right, Harewood met the ball with his head but from only 3 yards his effort hit the bar.
Forest had other god chances, Allou, Rogers and Prutton all failing to convert.
Freedman, who was Captain for the night, played in a much deeper position than usual, but was very effective, and Quashie, in a defensive midfield position, battled away all night, and still managed his customary three long range efforts on goal that fizzed just wide. It can't be long before one of these rips into the net!
The second half followed a similar pattern to the First, Bristol having the odd chance and Forest having several, whilst always being in control. The Reds almost blew it right at the death, but were saved by a great goal line clearance from Louis-Jean. Prutton also had a late chance to win it for Forest, just failing to take the ball around Phillips.
This was a totally deserved win, Platt going so far as to say that it was the best performance of the season so far. Everyone played well, but Doig and Prutton deserve a special mention - both looked as though they had played in the side for years. This can only bode well for the future. The only down side to the evening was the injury to Crossley, who was stretchered off with a damaged ankle after 15 minutes. Mark will miss the game at Bolton, but should return against Barnsley.
So into Round 3 we go - LETS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!
