The contrast between these two sides couldn’t have been greater. Norwich were sitting on top of the table, they had just paraded the latest addition to their strike force, Darren Huckerby, and were confident of a win.
Forest meanwhile, were still plagued by injuries, looking for their first win in ten games and sitting just four points above the relegation places.
So with Huckerby watching from the stands, Norwich were somewhat shocked to see Forest come flying out of the traps and take the game to them.
With barely a minute on the clock, Marlon King and Gareth Taylor combined well, but King’s shot was saved. Andy Reid was on hand to pounce on the rebound, but his shot hit the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick.
For the next ten minutes you would have thought that Forest were the team that topped the table as they took the game to Norwich.
But it was Norwich who took the lead on 14 minutes. It was against the run of play, but nevertheless a superb move. It started in midfield as Leon McKenzie won the ball and headed it down to Ian Henderson, who, after beating several defenders, delivered the perfect cross for Mathias Svensson to volley into the net.
The goal gave Norwich a lift and they came into the game more and more while Forest found themselves on the back foot for a while, but overall he half evened itself out.
Then just before the break Norwich missed a golden opportunity to double their lead from a free kick. The ball floated in to the far post and was met by the head of Craig Fleming, who could only direct it onto the foot of the post, from where it was cleared to safety.
The second half saw Forest start much as they had done for the first, forcing Norwich back and controlling the midfield. However, though they dominated the second half the difference between the two sides showed where it mattered most – in front of goal.
Norwich were full of confidence in front of goal, why Forest, though creating some very good chances, were lacking in the final ball.
As the game drew to a close it was obvious Forest weren’t going to score despite the way they had played.
Despite losing, Forest had put in a fine display and the truth is they deserved a minimum of a point from this game, sadly it wasn’t to be and now we must look forward to the return of Marlon Harewood on Sunday when West ham visit the City Ground.
Let’s hope we don’t make it 11 games without a win.
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