| | Forest extend their lead at the top of League 1 to seven points following an easy win against a woeful Brentford side. Easily the worst side we've faced this season, Brentford failed to manage a single effort on target and our defence won't have an easier afternoon all season.
Forest named an unchanged side from the last league game at Cheltenham. The main news was the surprise return of Nathan Tyson on the bench. With Holt and Lester, there were plenty of attacking options available to Colin Calderwood.
Having started the game well, Agogo's early header, from Southall's cross, was tipped over by the keeper.
Forest deserved the opening goal after 10 minutes. Commons was fouled 25 yards out and took the free kick himself. A low shot, expertly placed into the bottom corner, clipped the post and flew into the goal.
Against a weak opposition, Perch and Clingan took their chance to switch play to the wings whenever possible. For the opening 20 minutes we passed the ball around really well without ever really threatening much from open play.
Southall again provided an opportunity for Agogo. For some reason, he attempted to control the ball instead of heading it. The eventual effort lifted over the bar.
As half time approched, an exact replica of the opening goal doubled the lead. This time, the shot was even better struck and the keeper didn't really have a chance. Perfect time to score the goal which confirmed our dominance and provided that extra assurance.
The second half was a pretty dull affair with Forest in cruise control and Brentford barely offering an attacking threat.
Things only brightened up when Tyson replaced Agogo. A very welcome return to one of the few players with genuine pace in the squad. This brought a slight change to the formation as Curtis dropped to left back and Morgan across to right back.
Tyson almost had a dream return to the side but he couldn't quite reach Commons' cross before the keeper claimed the ball.
Calderwood continued to switch his attacking options around through the introduction of Holt and Lester for Harris and Commons. The use of 5 strikers in a single game, shows the strength in numbers we have in this area. Tyson played on the left wing with the other two up front. One moment of skill putting the ball past the defender and running onto it showed that he hasn't lost any of his pace during his injury.
Southall had a stinging volley well saved by the keeper and Cullip's chipped effort from Southall's corner was cleared off the line. Holt was unlucky not to earn a penalty in the last minute when he appeared to be brought down having cut inside the defender.
For once, we looked quite solid in midfield with MOTM Sammy Clingan continued his decent run of form. Constantly looking for possession and controlling the play, Clingan was involved in all the good work that Forest put together. Perch also had a better game alongside him with some impressive passing in the first half.
Paul Smith had very little to do and the defence in front of him continue to impress with their organisation. Breckin was probably the pick of the defence on this occasion with a dominate display especially in the air. Morgan did let the side down with some poor passing but provided the highlight of the game with a great stepover on the halfway line.
However, it has to be said that Harris had yet another ineffective game and never looked like scoring. Agogo also needs to improve his end product if he's going to remain in the starting XI. The return of Tyson should improve things in this area though.
Curtis also struggles with the left wing back role he's being asked to perform and if we continue with the wing backs system, we really need a specialist in this position.
Keep the run going now whilst everyone else is taking points from each other.
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