| | Forest's unbeaten away record continues after a hard fought point kept
this season's momentum going. However, on a weekend in which 8 out of
the top 10 sides in the division won, this was one of the few occasions
this season where we've allowed the chasing pack to close.
At the end of the season, this could well be one result considered as 1
point gained rather than 2 lost. Rotherham's recent run has been
outstanding as they have made short work of the initial 10 point penalty
which would otherwise have seen them riding high in the league.
The starting line up was the preferred 343 using Smith / Morgan Cullip
Breckin / Southall Perch Clingan Curtis / Harris Agogo Commons. We had
numerous attacking options on the bench with both Holts, Tyson and
Lester. We ended up needing them!
We created the best chance of the opening stages when Clingan's long
range short produced a great save from the top corner. This was our only
real chance in the first half as the front line struggled to produce
enough quality. We were unable to hold the ball up and attacks quickly
ended as soon as they'd started. Perch stood out in the midfield with
some neat touches and smart passing switching play from one side to the
other.
At the other end, Southall produced some smart defending to prevent us
going behind. Rotherham looked the better side going forward but neither
team created too many chances. In particular, their left winger Woods
stood out.
Yet again, Forest had a good effort in the early stages of the second
half. Perch fed Commons who could only strike the keeper when clean
through. With his recent scoring run, it was surprising not to see him
score.
Before Tyson could replace Harris, Forest found themselves behind. Woods
crossed from the left, great control from Hoskins then an instant shot
high into the net. Smith with no chance. One of the few occasions when
the three centrebacks were parted and looked vulnerable.
Rotherham continued to attack and some great saves from Smith were
required to prevent the lead from being doubled.
On the hour mark, Harris was finally withdrawn and replaced by Tyson.
This added an extra dimension to the attack but he initially struggled
to find much support from those around him.
Similar to the Tranmere away game, we only started to play in the final
10 minutes, following the introduction of Grant Holt for Clingan.
Finally we had a focal point for the attacks with Holt holding the ball
up and providing flick ons for Tyson and Agogo either side of him. We
look a much better side with him providing a physical presence up front.
Unlike Harris, Holt does not drop deep into midfield where he simply
disappears. Instead, he moves wide and is able to beat players and
create chances for others. Agogo had looked pretty poor up until that
point but suddenly improved with quality alongside him.
With the momentum now in Forest's favour, the equaliser arrived with two
minutes of the game remaining. Morgan's forward pass was flicked on by
Agogo. Tyson shielded the ball from the defender and flicked the ball
past the keeper. Cue one of the best celebrations of the season.
There was still time for Tyson to escape down the right and hit a
looping shot towards the top corner. The keeper leant back and tipped it
over the bar. Worringly, Tyson, continued to hobble through until the
end of the game...
There just wasn't enough time to capitalise on the attacking threat we
now offered. With a little more adventure shown by our management
earlier in the game, we have been able to turn one point into three but
a draw was a respectable return.
Smith made some excellent saves at times to keep us in the game. The
back three were solid as ever, winning numerous aerial challenges and
looking to play the ball sensibly forward.
Whilst it is encouraging that we are now finding a consistent formation
and lineup, there are definite improvements still to be made. Curtis
does not offer enough going forward down the left to mirror the threat
offered by Southall down the right. He very rarely crosses the half way
line with any purpose. As we need someone able to attach but with
defensive qualites, I don't think Commons could play here so possibly
Bennett could provide a better option. It doesn't look like Calderwood
rates him in this position though.
Perch had an impressive game in midfield and for long spells made a real
impression on the game. For too long, he's struggled to impose himself
in games, but if you able to play well away at Rotherham then there's no
reason that this cannot be repeated week in week out.
We looked pretty weak going forward with the ineffective Harris (as
usual) and Agogo struggling to hold the ball up. However, the boos that
accompanied the former's departure were uncalled for. Holt and Tyson
offer a far superior attacking threat and the frontline should be based
around them. Last season proved that they can work together
successfully.
For his first goal of the season and providing one of the moments of the
season so far, Tyson takes my MOTM this week. Even in our successful
run, the relief and celebrations that accompanied the equaliser stand
out as one of the highlights so far.
Lessons learned? It would be nice to think so. With slight changes up
front, this formation could prove to be very effective.
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