Plymouth proved to be the perfect opponents for our warm-up for the play-offs. They gave us plenty of space in midfield which Majewski, in particular, took full advantage of. After missing a couple of early one-on-ones through Earnshaw and Tyson we soon got back into the usual rhythm. Majewski’s excellent through ball found Earnshaw to score with ease and then Plymouth’s clearance from Moussi’s right wing cross hit Blackstock to double the lead.

The second half was a non-event with Forest easing their way through the game until adding a third in the closing stages. McGugan’s control let him down but it fell perfectly for Anderson to chip past the keeper.

With a better pitch, there were signs of a return to the free flowing passing of earlier in the season with Majewski and Moussi both having more influential games in midfield. MOTM Morgan continued his impressive run of games this season with a dominant display. In terms of the play-offs, only the performances of Perch and Tyson leave question marks over starting places for the home leg. Neither showed enough quality to suggest that their places are guaranteed.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Wes Morgan

To find ourselves confirmed in the play-offs with 3 games to go is a fantastic achievement. We’ll enter them in plenty of confidence and should fear no other team. In the remaining games, we have the opportunity to rest a few players and give some of the squad players the chance to find some form whilst resting the likes of Gunter, Cohen and Blackstock who’ve contributed so much this season.

The first half was played with the feel of a pre-season friendly with Forest playing without their usual zip and Ipswich creating a few decent opportunities but lacking the belief that they would ever score.

Once we took a slightly fortunate lead early in the second half, we never looked back and ran out easy winners. Cohen’s free kick found Earnshaw on the edge of the area and his turn and shot found the net via Chambers hip.

Moussi had another decent afternoon for the first seventy minutes and scored a well deserved second goal. He started to feature at both ends of the pitch and it was noticeable that he had a real influence on the game. Things went downhill after he scored with a number of careless passes that always seem to let him down. He still did enough to suggest that we might be able to cope without McKenna in the important games ahead of us.

The scoring was rounded off by Earnshaw after a neat move down the left opened up their defence and we kept the ball alive via Tyson and Blackstock. Another well deserved goal for an afternoon full of endeavour.

There were signs of the old free flowing football as Majewski joined the action and started to link up the midfield and forwards. At the other end, Ipswich still created a number of (mostly wayward) efforts but never really looked like scoring.

As with most of our games this season, it was a real team effort with no one really standing out. MOTM Cohen was one of the few players to perform in both halves and continues to lead by example from midfield.

The back four has a much more solid feel to it with Gunter’s class translated to left back and Chambers obvious improvement with better players around him plus providing a real threat from set pieces. The performances of Wilson and Morgan this season speak for themselves.

The only slight disappointment of the afternoon was the performance of Tyson, who we persisted with down the right hand side for the majority of the game. Time and again he’d find himself in a decent position but got found out by a lack of a decent right foot. He looked much more settled down the left on the few occasions he was allowed to swap sides.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Chris Cohen

Up to twelve and counting now. Whilst the players looked our strongest starting XI, we started with an unfamiliar line-up with Majewski playing on the left and Anderson down the middle. This didn’t really work, missing Anderson’s running wide and Majewski’s involvement in central areas and we swapped after about half an hour.

Anderson had one dipping shot, well saved, from outside the area but nothing really to get excited about. Out of nothing, that changed as we entered injury time. MOTM Morgan won the ball on the half-way line, it found it’s way to Anderson down the left and his pull back found Morgan first time with a rocket from 22 yards.

Whilst the first half was pretty tough going with too many passes going astray, after the break we started to show a bit of the footballing side from earlier in the season. Admittedly, we were helped out by the early red card for a blatant hand ball with Earnshaw running in on goal. Palace looked disorganised and struggled to cope being a man down for long spells. Their few chances all came from Ambrose free kicks but Camp was alive to produce two excellent saves to keep them out.

We made the most of the man advantage and found plenty of space in midfield with Anderson looking lively again down the left hand side.

It was good to see Tyson finally get a break and being allowed to play down the middle. He’s been treated primarily as a left winger this season without really being considered in his natural position. His first touch from Anderson’s pass took him round the keeper to score from a narrow angle. Fellow sub McCleary created problems down the right but just lacked that conviction to go for goal having down the hard work himself. One left foot shot looked to be heading for the bottom corner until a decent save turned it away.

Both Tyson and McCleary made a difference in the closing stages and their pace on the break could be invaluable against tiring defences in the coming weeks.

Cohen, looking much more prominent in centre midfield, had the chance to complete the evening but skied his shot from the penalty spot when it looked easier to score.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Wes Morgan

Back at the City Ground and it was normal service resumed with another home victory taking our run to an amazing 11 straight wins. It wasn’t the best of performances but at this stage of the season, it’s only results that count. Peterborough caused us plenty of problems and we had to rely on MOTM Camp to make a number of vital saves.

We scored early through a typically clinical finish from Earnshaw but failed to really build on the lead. Gunter cut inside onto his left foot, found Anderson at the far post to provide the perfect pull-back.

We created enough decent chances to have made the game safe but found another opposition keeper in good form. Earnshaw, Cohen, Blackstock and then McCleary were all denied with impressive saves.

It was a similar story at the other end with Camp saving when they found themselves clean through whilst another tip over from a powerful header was the best of the afternoon. A number of accurate, quickly taken goal-kicks got us moving forwards on the break and nearly led to further goals.

Injuries continue to mount up with Perch failing to last the first half after a number of well-timed tackles. Credit to his replacement, Chambers for a solid enough performance when clearly out of position.

For the majority of the game, we struggled to get our fluent passing game going. At times our best play-maker was Morgan who brought the ball confidently out of defence on a number of occasions.

Majewski looked lively on the few times we found himself in space but too often he was crowed out in midfield. He remains the most likely in the team to produce that moment of match winning quality. On the down side, he seems to be picking up a number of bookings recently with this habit of jumping block tackles which look dangerous than they really are but will always get you in trouble.

Anderson and Cohen were full of running in wide areas whilst McCleary’s late cameo produced a number of direct runs and can consider himself unlucky not to have doubled the lead. Moussi did a lot of the untidy work in McKenna’s absence but too often proceeded to just give the ball away again.

Blackstock continues to prove that he’s the best striker at the club, battling for everything and showing quality in everything that he does. Earnshaw might not contribute as much as his partner but has that invaluable ability to be in the right place at the right time – his goal scoring record in home games speaks for itself.

West Brom look like they’ve found form at the right time and automatic promotion may well be just out of our reach. The play offs would be a fantastic achievement considering the extra resources available to the teams above us. Another couple of wins should give us enough points to make this secure. We can then spend the remaining games regaining our impressive form from earlier in the season.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Lee Camp

Despite injuries to Earnshaw, Wilson and McKenna we battled through to earn a massive three points which lifts us back into the automatic promotion places. Both sides had chances to win the game but it always looked like a draw was the most likely result. However, in injury time, Chambers arrived from nowhere to continue his rare ability to score vital goals for the club.

These three points set us up perfectly for the forthcoming trips to Preston and Barnsley. Two mid-table teams where we have a great chance to turn around our recent troubles on our travels.

The injury to McKenna is a massive concern as we approach a series of mid-week games. Whilst his recent performances haven’t maintained the early standards, his presence alone in the side justifies his inclusion.

Moussi certainly didn’t do enough to suggest that he’s a worthy replacement. Either a direct replacement or a left-back, enabling Cohen to return into midfield is essential to maintaining our current position.  With the large number of games approaching, it’s likely that some of the reserves will have to step up and make an impression on this season.

In an attacking sense, Swansea got plenty of men behind the ball and left Kuqi up front on his own with Pratley breaking from deep whenever possible. It’s not hard to see why they’ve struggled to score many goals this season and yet concede so few.  Pratley did look a class act with his ability to break into space from deep, hopefully we haven’t given up the chance for him and will return with an improved offer in the summer.

On this occasion, their chances came from our own defensive mistakes. Kuqi took advantage of Morgan’s hesitation which required Camp to save smartly from close range. Chambers, for no reason, presented the ball on the bye-line for Kuqi but Pratley couldn’t reach the pull-back.

They’ll still be complaining about a possible penalty decision against Cohen on Pratley. The contact was minimal and Pratley never really made the most of the opportunity and seemed more interested in falling to the ground. We suffered similarly at Doncaster and Coventry so it’s nice to see things evening themselves out.

At the other end, we created plenty of chances but too often we lacked composure in front of goal. McGugan and Majewski found themselves through on goal but their efforts barely troubled the keeper. Blackstock had a goal disallowed for offside whilst Boyd’s effort required an excellent save.

Both sides cancelled each other out for long spells and it looked like we’d have to settle for a useful point. However, late in injury time, McGugan whipped in a perfect corner, their keeper came out and missed, the ball almost hit Chambers and flew into the goal.

Camp didn’t have too much to do but made an important save from Kuqi in the first half to keep us level. A few dodgy moments from some bouncing back-passes but we got away with them.

We looked much more balanced defensively with Cohen replacing Perch at left back. This provided much better support for the midfield in front of him. He should have scored when Anderson skipped past their left back and laid it perfectly into his path. In the end, the volley ended up high and wide when a header might have been the best option. MOTM Gunter continues to show his obvious talents at both ends of the field. Never really troubled by their attacks and showed real pace when attacking on the break.

We missed Wilson’s presence in the centre of defence as both Morgan and Chambers showed moments of panic. With Swansea’s lack of numbers going forward, we got away with it but if they had shown more ambition going forwards we might have been in trouble.

Moussi often looked a mess in midfield, arms and legs all over the place. On the few occasions he won the ball, it wasn’t long til the ball was presented straight back to a white shirt. On one occasion, he even managed to tackle Cohen. McGugan did a reasonable job in midfield and was always capable of providing decent service to Anderson and Boyd. He certainly looked much better than recent appearances. He’s likely to have an increasing involvement in coming weeks due to McKenna’s injury.

Boyd looked a classy player on his debut and showed moments of real promise. He provided important width to compliment Anderson down the right. Looked very comfortable on the ball and linked up very well with the other forwards and created some really dangerous situations breaking forward. On the other side, Anderson looked much better on the right hand side and we’ve missed his combination with Gunter in recent weeks.

Majewski struggled to have any real impact on the game and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rested in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully the arrival of Boyd will reduce the reliance on Majewski, to create something from nothing, that’s existed for long spells this season. Blackstock continues to work tirelessly up front and too often he lacked the necessary support around him.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Chris Gunter

A tight game with two decent sides cancelling each other out. Boro's side contained plenty of quality and should be higher in the league but we just had enough about us to sneak the win. For long spells it looked like nil-nil was the only likely result but Cohen provided the only moment of genuine class to win the game after good work from Blackstock and Majewski.
 
After getting ourselves in front, we looked quite comfortable and eased to victory for an amazing ninth straight home win. With a better standard of opposition and a bumpy pitch, we never really reproduced the high paced, fluid passing from earlier in the season but results are the only thing that matters.
 
Our centre-backs were in impressive form yet again. MOTM Wilson alongside Morgan form a barrier that most strikers at this level struggle to pass. Boro made very little impression apart from an occasional threat from Lita in the closing stages. With their performances Camp had a couple of long range efforts to deal with plus a number of set pieces.
 
Perch did a reasonable job at left back but lacks confidence with his left foot to bring the best out of Anderson in front of him. Too often, the time taken to cut inside onto his preferred side prevents us from breaking with the speed that has become our trademark this season. Gunter has shown his quality all season and remains one of the most consistent performers at the club.
 
McKenna was much improved, especially in the second half as Boro pressed forward. A number of timely interventions from nowhere to steal the ball and get us moving forwards again. Cohen looked rusty at times, with a uncharacteristic dodgy first touch and wayward passes. However, he was never going to hide, stuck with it and provided the one moment of class to win the game. A brilliant, cool finish to beat the rushing keeper after Blackstock and Majewski combined to open up their defence. Makewski showed moments of promise, normally from set pieces but Boro get men around him to stop him finding space. Unlucky to see one free kick beat the keeper but hit the bar. Anderson continues to provide the only genuine width to the side but suffers from the lack of a full-time left back behind him. Provides a great out-let when attacking on the break, running at their defenders at speed.
 
Earnshaw struggled to make much of an impression and missed the one clear chance of the first half when he got behind their defence but missed the target. The most important contribution was the intelligent run to draw two defenders away from Cohen leading up to the winner. Blackstock continued his impressive recent form and battled well against the powerful Wheater all afternoon. The creation of the goal was all down to him and underlines the quality that he brings to the side.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Kelvin Wilson

After a week to forget with defeat last Saturday, no signings and our rivals continuing to pick up points, there was plenty of pressure on us to perform. We struggled for long spells against tough opposition but still had just enough quality to snatch a priceless three points. A couple of unexpected changes in midfield saw Moussi return in place of Majewski whilst Anderson was rested in favour of Tyson.
 
The footballing Wednesday side are a thing of the past under Irvine’s short reign. Similar to Coventry, they came to battle, hassle and relied solely on set pieces and especially long throw-ins to create any chances. Credit to our side for standing up to them and finding the resolve to respond to their equaliser and get ourselves in front soon after. If other sides think that we’re suspect from this approach then we’ll need many more of these performances to stay in touch.
 
We struggled to create many clear chances, with Earnshaw’s curling free kick and Tyson’s long range effort requiring decent saves. We needed a  generous decision for the penalty that Blackstock smashed in the top corner and then we looked comfortable until half time. Wednesday improved after the break but still needed a lucky rebound to find a way past our defence. We responded well and Cohen’s free kick found Blackstock to score from close range at the second attempt. Camp’s kicking might have been slightly suspect but his handling from the constant long balls into the area was almost perfect. Every time they lined up another long throw in, he made his decision early and stuck to it. Gunter and Perch didn’t get many opportunities to shine going forwards but did a decent job defensively. Perch was rightly criticised last weekend but made a number of blocks and won most things in the air, especially in the second half. The contrast between him and Shorey when in possession are obvious though and it almost negates any real threat down the left hand side. Morgan and Wilson did what was required with a number of clearing headers and blocks as Wednesday increased the pressure after the break.
 
Neither Moussi or Tyson made the most of their starting opportunities in the side. Moussi often looked bewildered in midfield, causing more problems for our own side that our opponents but his ungainly style is still capable of shielding the defence on the edge of our own area and making those scruffy challenges. McKenna’s performance seemed to suffer as a result with a number of rushed aimless clearances. Without Majewski providing the link between midfield and attack, too often we panicked and looked a much poorer team as a result.
 
Tyson struggled to get into the game and barely looked a threat all afternoon. He wasn’t helped by the lack of any real support from Perch behind him though who is obviously going to favour his right foot each time. Anderson made a real difference to the closing stages when he got the ball on the floor and starting taking the game to their defence. Cohen continues to show the form that makes it almost impossible to withdraw him from the midfield.
 
MOTM Blackstock was the difference between the sides with another well taken penalty and being in the right place for the winner. Earnshaw was unlucky to see his free kick saved from the top corner and should have done better from Perch’s pin-point pass that saw him clear eight yards out. Both forwards worked hard for the team but our midfield struggled to get going and support them well enough.
 

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Dexter Blackstock

This season continues to exceed all expectations with another crushing defeat of an established Championship side. This time it was QPR’s turn and they didn’t know what hit them. After a slow opening exchange, two quick Earnshaw goals soon ended this game as a contest. The visiting team were such a shambles that it didn’t take long for the ironic cheering of corners to start. We were playing them at a good time after the departures of Agyemang and Routledge but we still outclassed them for the whole game and thoroughly deserved the win.
 
Blackstock was fouled on the edge of the area for Earnshaw to curl over the wall and inside the post, giving the keeper no chance. The second arrived soon after, Anderson’s run, Blackstocks diversion allowed Earnshaw clean through and he never looks like missing from there. We even found time to score our first penalty of the season. Blackstock raced to grab the ball, despite Earnshaw being on a hat-trick, sent the keeper the wrong way and hammered into the bottom corner.
 
After the break, Cohen charged forward from midfield and his shot through the keeper’s hands brought the forth. Perch charged forward from the back, provided a chance to Cohen and Earnshaw and ended up scoring himself to round off a great evenings work.
 
Camp was solid throughout apart from one dodgy moment where he choose to punch rather than catch a simple cross. Fortunately, he was alive to the rebound and the follow-up ended up in the crowd. He was never really tested apart from a number of half-hit low shots that still needed saving.
 
The loss of Shorey was a concern but this was the perfect game to introduce MOTM Perch into an unfamiliar left back role, barely tested in a defensive sense but more than played his part in the win. We didn’t make the most from a number of bursting runs into the area until one late charge and missed chances fell to him to calmly score the fifth. He also seemed much stronger with his left foot than I remember and didn’t always need to switch back onto his right foot every time. One risky blind pass was the only mistake I can remember him making. Gunter, Wilson and Morgan continue to dominate opposition forward lines with QPR struggling to mount too many attacks worth mentioning.
 
Majewski had the run of the midfield to show off his range of tricks. Some of the through-balls he provided continue to show what he’s capable of and why it’s imperative that we get him signed up to the club as soon as possible. Was struggling for a while at the end of the second half but still finished the game, would have been nice to give him a break but Morgan’s injury probably ruined that. We take McKenna’s performances for granted now, defending and hassling from midfield and preventing many attacks that would previously have trouble the defence.
 
Anderson continues to look more dangerous than earlier in his Forest career with a direct running style taking defenders on. A perfect example was the 2nd goal where he drove from the half-way line, waited for Blackstock to drag the defenders away before laying the perfect ball into Earnshaw’s path. Cohen is starting to add goals to the other obvious qualities, even with the help of some amateurish keeping on this occasion.
 
Blackstock worked tirelessly as ever, bringing other into the game and deserved his goal. Won the free-kick for the 1st and made an important run in the build up to the 2nd to demonstrate how important he is to this team. Earnshaw’s class in front of  goal speaks for itself and should really have converted one of the other chances that came his way to complete the hat-trick.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM James Perch

The first half produced some of the best football we’ve seen this season and the game should have been over as a contest. In the end, we only had two goals to show for our efforts as Reading came storming back and caused us some nervy moments. The most positive aspect of the afternoon was that everyone in the squad contributed to the victory, including the substitutes.

Earnshaw’s volley and Blackstock miss when clean through on goal should have killed off the game. In the end, Anderson’s finish from Cohen’s driving run followed by Earnshaw’s smart finish from Majewksi’s pass did the damage.

We still deserved the win and the three points lifts us to within striking distance of Newcastle. It will be interesting to see how they react to some pressure; their record in the past hasn’t always been that great.

MOTM Camp had an outstanding second half, with a couple of early low saves from diving header but the best was yet to come. His poor kick actually led to Shorey’s red card and resulting penalty. However, Camp redeemed himself with the save to maintain the two goal lead. Was finally beaten in injury time but we’d done enough.

Due to the red card, Shorey could have played his last game for the club. His introduction added a new dimension to the side at both ends of the field and he will be badly missed. How we respond to his departure will be key to how the season continues. We’ve suffered before with players filling in and to take Gunter or Cohen out of their natural positions would be a massive step backwards. The addition of a specialist left back is the primary requirement of this transfer window.

Anderson was a constant threat throughout and in recent weeks has added a more threatening dimension to his performances. Previously, he would have found himself running towards the corner flag and away from danger, now he’s always looking to take on his full back. Time and again, he cut in from the left hand side to provide service for the forwards which reduces the reliance on Majewski to deliver.

On the other side, Cohen was everywhere and directly involved in both goals with his running power. Firstly, he carried the ball from inside our own half to find Anderson to score and then chasing a lost cause resulting in the poor clearance leading up to the second. With the side down to ten men, we relied on his work-rate to make up for the missing player.

Blackstock worked tirelessly at both ends and caused ex-Forest target Mills numerous problems. His ability to bring others into the game was at the centre of most of our breaks with everyone benefitting from his display. Should have finished off the game in first half injury time but that was the only negative on a great afternoons work.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Lee Camp

This season just gets better and better. This was supposed to be one of the toughest away trips of the season but we turned it into a stroll. We have the capabilities within this squad to answer any questions posed by anyone in this league. More importantly, we have a manager capable of getting the best from the squad. The way we’re playing, there’s no limit to how much we can achieve this season.

If Di Matteo thought that our lone striker formation indicated a defensive attitude to the game, then he was sadly mistaken. His team had no answer to the desire, pace and movement of our midfield and Gunter raiding down the right hand side. Anyone watching our team knows that the last thing we are is defensive with the number of options we possess. In the end, we were just too good for them.

This was our standard line-up against the tougher teams, this sees Moussi and McKenna marshal the midfield, allowing Cohen, Anderson and Majewski to cause havoc on the break, ably supported by the full backs to provide the width. Blackstock holds everything together with his work rate, hold-up and inter-play.

It took ten minutes for us to get going after a scrappy opening, but once we found our passing range there was no stopping us. Majewski corner’s found Blackstock on the volley to score with ease, off the post.

The hosts very rarely troubled us with Moussi and McKenna bossing the midfield. Every 50-50 was won by a red shirt, with the talent to attack, with quality, on the break. Gunter raided down the right, got to the bye-line but Majewski couldn’t convert the pull back – no matter, their time would come.

We continued to make West Brom look just as average after the break. They couldn’t handle our midfield and we stifled any intentions they had of playing football. The dominance of our midfield was evident with the two quick-fire goals that killed off the game.

No one apart from Moussi was bothered about their aimless clearance, Cohen nicked the ball away and into Gunter’s path. He continued into the area and his perfect cross found Majewski past the far post to score with an unbelievable left foot volley in off the bar. Unstoppable.

We continued in the same pattern and rounded things off with as good a team goal as you’ll see. A number of first time passes down the right hand side resulted in Cohen cutting inside onto his left foot and finding the bottom corner. A sign of the confidence that’s running through the side and it’s hard to imagine any recent Forest side scoring a goal of that quality.

Three goals ahead, we handed them a consolation goal. Morgan should have cleaned up either man or ball on the half-way line but a neat through ball and calm finish finally saw Camp beaten. Once Moussi had tired himself out, we lacked that dominating presence in midfield until Perch’s late appearance added some extra steel to the midfield to see us over the finishing line.   

Camp cruised through the game, handling everything that West Brom could manage. Set pieces and crosses were handled with ease, their late rally resulting in decent saves from Olsson and Miller.

Gunter nullified the supposed threat of Thomas down the left and continued to show his obvious qualities at the other end. The perfect cross for Raddy’s goal was only one of a number of dangerous runs forward. Shorey didn’t have the same impact going forward but he’s there to defend and did that job comfortably.

Centre backs Wilson and Morgan continue to go from strength to strength. One lapse cost us their goal but dominant throughout despite all the changes they made.

The game was won in midfield with everyone contributing. McKenna and Moussi were everywhere, never letting Albion settle. It was noticeable that Moussi’s departure led to a drop in the work-rate and allowed them more time on the ball. Things improved when Perch joined in for the closing stages to increase the number of challenges.

Anderson worked tirelessly at both ends and was really struggling in the latter stages. Looked lively with the ball and seems to be developing a more direct style now and taking men on. Should have earned the side a penalty after a blatant barge into his back. Cohen’s form has dipped in the past couple of games but he was looking back to his best here and looking much sharper. Rounded off a fantastic evenings work with a composed low finish for his first of the season.

This formation is reliant on MOTM Majewski’s movement, ability to find space and supporting Blackstock / tracking back when required. On this form, there’s no stopping him. Besides the obvious attacking threat his possesses, he still finds time to get back and do his share of defensive work. A finish out of this world for the second but one that he’s clearly capable of.
Blackstock hassled their defence throughout, never let them settle and forced them into numerous errors. Once the ball is under control, has the ability to make the most of it. On the rare occasions he gave the ball away, he’s always tracking back to make amends. A quality finish for the opener despite the cynical shirt pulling against him.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Radoslaw Majewski

A great display against proven Championship opposition saw us maintain the unbeaten run and establish ourselves as genuine contenders for an automatic place. We have nothing to fear from anyone at the moment.

Preston never looked likely to cause many problems and we took the three points without exerting ourselves. We were even able to rest the likes of Majewski, Earnshaw and Anderson in the second half and leave Blackstock resting on the bench.

We continue to look sound defensively and clinical up front but this victory was all about the qualities in midfield. We nullified Preston’s threat and looked dangerous on the break with a shoot on sight policy with everyone contributing.

This was McKenna’s night and his impressive first for the club got us on the way. Adebola’s clinical finish saw the game end as a contest whilst McGugan’s last finale rounded off a great evening’s work. Watching Forest isn’t supposed to be this much fun!

Camp had another quiet afternoon due to the poor quality of Preston’s finishing. One routine save towards the end of the first half was his most notable contribution. Wilson was yet again the pick of the defence with another assured display. His partnership with Morgan resulted in Preston abandoning their football and reverted to long balls to lumps Parkin and Mellor. Shorey and Gunter spent most of their time supporting our attacks with the former setting up the last two goals.

MOTM McKenna continues to lead by example and forms the heart of our side. In terms of the playing staff, our recent revival is mainly down to his arrival at the club. His ability to break up attacks and get us moving forward was a feature of the game. Preston just could not handle our quality in midfield where we looked in a different class.

Majewski in particular found space in midfield time and again to cause problems. He was unlucky not to score with one curling effort narrowly wide and we didn’t make the most of some of his drives forward. Despite being in the side for his creativity, he didn’t hide from his defensive duties.

Complimenting the presence of McKenna and creativity of Majewski perfectly was the energy of Cohen and the pace of Anderson – they were everywhere. Everything looked so fluid in midfield with the ball moving with pace and precision. Occasionally we didn’t make the most of some impressive build-up play but you can’t really complain with such a routine victory.

McGugan’s late appearance provided the clinching goal with a neat feint and finish whilst McCleary continues to show that there might just be a footballer in there with his direct running.

Adebola is starting to silence those who question his presence in the side with a number of physical displays that bring out the best in our side. On numerous occasions, his instant control and strength allowed Earnshaw and Majewski to get involved.

Earnshaw had one of those days where nothing really went in his favour. One sharp turn and finish was harshly ruled out whilst their keeper produced a smart close range save to prevent another. Despite this, both forward’s work-rate could not be fault and they took turns to drop deep when needed to regain possession. Earlier in the season, his only contribution was goals but the effort is there and he looks a much better all round player now.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Paul McKenna

Previous trips to Swansea have seen us snatch a lucky point having been given the run around by our hosts. However, this was a different story and shows how far we’ve come this season. We conceded too much space in the opening stages but withdrawing McGoldrick back into a deeper role allowed us to dominate midfield and formed the basis for the win.

The whole team seems to understand their role in the side and are playing for each other. It's great watching Forest away from home at the moment as Billy has put together a side worth travelling hours to watch, showing all the fight you need to succeed in this league. They had the better chances in the first half but we were still posing problems at the other end. From one cross, we kept the ball alive through Morgan and Adebola, allowing McGoldrick to score with a slight deflection. Swansea continued to attack, mainly through the dangerous Dyer but we defended from the front and looked increasingly comfortable. They ran out of ideas in the second half with our defence outstanding for the third time in a week. The closest they came to equalising were a couple of hopeful Trundle efforts that failed to trouble Camp.

Camp made a couple of decent saves in the first half and survived a couple of scary moments but was relatively untroubled throughout the second half. One low save, another close range block and one mis-judged cross off the bar was the closest they came.

The defence in front of him were outstanding and was the difference between the sides. MOTM Wilson continues to show the potential that suggests he may be able to succeed at an even higher level. Commanding throughout and led by example with a number of impeccably timed tackles on the edge of our area. Supported almost perfectly by Morgan alongside him and to have only conceded a very soft penalty during the three games this week is an impressive feat. Swansea’s best moments came from wide areas in the first half but Gunter and Shorey responded well after the break and left their wingers running down dead ends. Shorey showed his quality coming forwards with a number of decent left wing crosses.

The energy and enthusiasm of our midfield was key to the result in which Cohen and McKenna continually won 50-50 challenges in our favour. This allowed Majewski to find space and dictate our attacks on the break. On another day, our final ball would have been better and we would have made the most of the attacks that came our way. Majewski lasted the game very well and showed that we can contribute for the full ninety minutes.

Anderson did most of his good work defensively but started to contribute in the second half as we troubled them on the break. He should really have killed off the game when he found himself in space from a left wing cross.

McGoldrick took his goal very well and almost scored with one earlier header that nearly surprised their keeper. Could still improve his work-rate but showed that his longer term future could lie in midfield with an encouraging display. Adebola took a little while to get into the game but once he formed the lone target man he went on to show his best performance in a red shirt. Holding the ball up much better than we’ve managed in recent games, he was able to bring Majewski and McGoldrick into the game and cause them problems. He worked tirelessly for the side, constantly chasing down and defending from the front.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Kelvin Wilson

Leicester was supposed to present the first of three tough games this week but in the end it proved to be a different story.  We fully deserved the margin of victory and from the moment we scored the first, the result was never in doubt. This season just gets better and better and we currently fear no one but the forthcoming trips to Sheffield and Swansea will tell us whether that’s justified.

They couldn’t match the passion and commitment through our side and a succession of 50-50 challenges were won by those in red. Leicester were such a shambles at times that they resorted to two unforced changes in the first half an hour, without any improvement. Their centre backs couldn’t live with the movement of Earnshaw or Blackstock’s ability to bring others into the game.

The only blemish on another excellent defensive display was Wilson’s rash challenge that should have conceded a penalty. His mis-timed challenge was easily inside the area for which the referee and linesman both rightly indicated a penalty. For some reason, the they consulted again and changed his mind to a free kick. Much amusement all round but those in blue failed to see the funny side.

Camp was a virtual spectator for the game with Leicester creating very little due to the quality of our defence and their deficiencies in attack. Gunter and Shorey dominated their opponents to the extent that they spent most of the game supporting our attacks. Shorey hasn’t been properly tested and the remaining games this week should tell us more.

Wilson and Morgan continue to go from strength to strength and were very rarely troubled by the Fryatt, Waghorn, Howard pairings. Wilson got lucky with the non-penalty decision whilst the decision against Morgan was laughable at best. Apart from these rare incidents, one of these two was always on hand with that important clearing header or block.

Majewski was probably the one outfielder who didn’t really perform on the day but the quality of this team performance was so good that it didn’t matter. McKenna had another very impressive afternoon, showing all the qualities that have become a trademark of his season so far. He held the midfield together allowing Anderson and Cohen to run with freedom throughout the pitch.

Cohen had an immediate impact on his return to the midfield, he was everywhere. Typified our non-stop running and hassling attitude from front to back which the visitors could not match or deal with.

Anderson was obviously up for the game and put in one of his best performances in a red shirt. Had one of those afternoons where he looked like to beat an opponent with ease. In the past he hasn’t made the most of decent positions by choosing the wrong option but today he looked a genuine threat. One moment where the ball went one way and he went the other stands out.  Should have scored earlier in the game where he skipped past a feeble midfield challenge but could only find the keeper’s chest. Blackstock again created the goal for him, a pin-point curling effort around the keeper and into the bottom corner.

McCleary’s cameo showed the improvement he’s making under Davies’ tuition. Twice he skipped past their suffering left back and produced crosses that should have been converted. Finally we got reward for his endeavour. He won the ball in midfield, exchanged passes with Cohen and then saw his low shot palmed out for Adebola to add the final punishment.

The quality of MOTM Earnshaw’s three finishes speak for themselves. It’s taken a while for him to get started this season but he looked as sharp as ever right from the opening stages. Too often in a red shirt he’s barely contributed to games away from goal but today was a different story with his work-rate when they were in possession. First, Gunter’s through ball, a neat dummy and finish from Blackstock’s return pass. Next, instant control and chip from Cohen’s shot. Finally, he intercepted a short pass, turned their defence inside and out before a neat chip into the top corner.

Blackstock looked disappointed to be taken off without scoring but more than did enough with his link-up play with Earnshaw. One half volley well saved by the keeper and another header cleared off the line were the closest he came. After the relatively disappointing performances from McGoldrick and others this season, we’ve found our number one pairing for the coming weeks now.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Robert Earnshaw

We've proved in the past few weeks that we're tough to beat without taking advantage of our opportunities going forward. However, whilst the performance was certainly lacking in the first half, today was all about the goals and our rise up the table.

Looking at the squad shows how far we've come and why we should count ourselves as in contention this season. Everyone in the starting XI had a natural replacement somewhere in the squad. When you include the absent list of Tyson, Moussi and Cohen, we have an impressive set of options available to us.

The starting line up looked full of goals with McCleary and Anderson either side of McKenna and Majewski, providing the service for Earnshaw and Blackstock.

Unfortunately, things didn't really go to plan in the first half. Our midfield looked lightweight and stood off their opponents too much. Against a packed midfield, Majewski showed some moments of class but these were too infrequent and we relied upon a fortunate own goal from Anderson's pull back to get us in front. For the rest of the half, it was pretty forgettable with Blackstock left to battle alone for too many long balls.

The most important change of the afternoon came at half time with McCleary swapping wings with Anderson and onto the right hand side. This allowed him to start combining with Gunter and as a pair they started to bring the best out of each other.

Eventually our extra class going forward proved decisive in our favour. Majewski's expert dipping corner found Morgan to score with a downward header. Majeski again created the third, a pin-point pass reached Earnshaw who finally found the perfect finish into the bottom corner. McGugan's instant control was his first touch and the second was to fire the ball past their keeper from an impossible angle. One late lack of concentration from a corner allowed Doncaster a deserved consolation but that couldn't deflect from our rise to fourth place.

The defence was excellent throughout and left Camp as a spectator. MOTM Wilson was immaculate and continues to dominate opposition centre forwards. Morgan alongside was also in impressive form and thoroughly deserved his goal after a couple of outstanding defensive blocks. Doncaster couldn't cope with the movement of Gunter down the right whilst debutant Shorey looked like he'd been at the club for ages with a composed defensive display.

Majewski struggled with the physical aspect of the midfield battle but showed his quality when it mattered. McKenna's passing wasn't the best but he more than made up for this with all the other impressive aspects of his game. Anderon and McCleary struggled in the first half but looked much better with their direct running after the switch during half time.

Blackstock showed some nice touches but too often was left to battle for flick-ons without getting the best from him. Still a useful run out as he returns form injury. Earnshaw had a frustrating afternoonin front of goal but showed class where it mattered for the third.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Kelvin Wilson

We extended our winning run to five games with a battling performance against a resolute Barnsley side. We played some fantastic stuff in the first half without getting our reward but Barnsley caused a few scares after the break and will consider themselves very unlucky to come away with nothing.

Barnsley to their credit, came to give us a game and certainly played their part. For the first time in ages, Camp was required to make a number of impressive saves to keep us in the game, especially in the second half. Before we’d even got started, Morgan’s clumsy foul resulted in a free kick deceiving Camp but bouncing off the bar.

McGoldrick looked lively in the first half, one brilliant arched run got himself back on-side and then through on goal but the keeper saved. Just before half-time Tyson crossed from the left and he couldn’t get the ball from under his feet and the chance was lost. Both Tyson and Anderson were causing plenty of problems with their defence resulting to illegal measures but after a number of touch games it wasn’t too surprising that they tired.

Tyson in particular got no protection from the referee and it was only a matter of time before he had to withdraw. He did well to last into the second half after a succession of challenges where the ball was an irrelevance. Combined with Blackstock’s injury, Anderson’s fatigue and McGoldrick’s poor form after the break, we were looking short of attacking options in the closing stages.
 
As we entered injury time, it looked like we’d have to settle for a point, McKenna picked the ball in midfield and finally gave Adebola something to work with. He cushioned the ball into Moussi’s path to poke the ball past the keeper.
 
Moussi typified the side on the night. Impressive in the first half but lost his way in the second and struggled to make much of an impression. Without the injuries to Tyson and Blackstock he could easily have been replaced. However, he stuck to his job and got the reward in the end. The referee had the final say, with a second yellow card for over-celebrating his first goal for the club and a red card.

Plenty of players impressed in the first half but MOTM to Gunter for performing throughout the game with his usual determination and energy. With Anderson tiring and then Garner playing in-field, he continued to provide width down the right hand side. Camp also took the opportunity to impress having been untroubled for most recent games.
 

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Chris Gunter

It was a classic game of two halves; Forest easily the better side in the first half and we should have been ahead before Blackstock scored. After the break it was a different story. Our tactics changed at half time and we sat back confident that we were good enough to prevent them from scoring.

Over the past few weeks you can see just how difficult to beat we’ve become. Despite handing Newcastle the majority of possession, they very rarely threatened Camp. One disallowed goal and Blackstock’s miscued clearance off the line by Majewski was the closest they came. At the other end, we couldn’t reproduce the quality of the first half but had still done enough to deserve the three points.

After quietly climbing the league in the past few weeks, this impressive performance won’t go unnoticed by the rest of the league. The first half display was as good as anything we’ve seen in a long time.

Blackstock was unlucky not to score with one diving header well saved, later he saw another free header hit the post and away to safety. Tyson hit a volley on the turn narrowly wide. Anderson cut in from the left wing and his curling shot found their keeper again. Have played so well it looked as though we wouldn’t get any reward. However, Majewski had other ideas; he picked the perfect pass between their centre halves for Blackstock to score with ease.

Billy got his tactics spot-on with the selection of Moussi in midfield, allowing Majewski to roam free in and around Blackstock. Against Blackpool, this tactic backfired with Moussi and McKenna getting in each other’s way.

As usual this season, Camp was rarely involved in the game. We were outstanding at the back with Wilson and MOTM Morgan challenging, blocking and dominating their forwards. On the few occasions that they avoided our centre backs, you could rely upon full backs Gunter and Cohen to arrive from nowhere to clear up the danger.

Moussi was in inspired form, winning tackles and looking composed in possession. It was a very welcome return to the form of his early Forest career. McKenna complimented him perfectly in terms of work-rate and commitment but still plays too many blind rushed passes.

 Majewski was involved in everything good about us going forward, dropping into space between midfield and forwards where Newcastle couldn’t get close to him. His inclusion in this role brought out the best of Anderson in particular due to his direct running off the ball.

Blackstock is certainly making himself the number one striker at the club. It was another impressive display, causing them problems throughout.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Wes Morgan

Despite the windy conditions, we took advantage of a replacement keeper for the second time in a week to take nine points from six days. It wasn’t a great performance but still enough to justify the win. Their sub keeper struggled with every cross that came his way and it was only a matter of time before we took advantage. With a bit more luck, we’d have sealed the game earlier with three efforts hitting the woodwork before a couple of late scares.

Our performances over the past week show the benefit from seeing the return of Majewski in midfield and having two wingers providing balance on both sides. We’ve played okay but results come before style every time. Despite the in-different start, we’ve sneaked into the top ten and find ourselves only a point after the play-offs.

Camp continued his run of faultless performances. Not often threatened but showed steady handling whenever required to take pressure off the defence. A couple of smart saves in the closing stages ensured that we held onto the 3 points.

The defence looked pretty solid despite the conditions but still had to rely on their keeper at vital times. Morgan in particular stood out with numerous interventions and Cohen is now settling into left back. We got punished from one corner where we left their player unmarked and his header left Camp with no chance.

In midfield, Anderson didn’t have the most effective games but at least gives better shape to the side and means that we don’t always look for Tyson down the left. Another slightly fortunate scuffed finish was one of a number of decent chances and we should be expecting him to contribute more goals this season. Tyson, didn’t make the most of numerous opportunities down the left where a little more composure was required. He caused enough problems so that they had to resort to illegal measures to stop him.

As we’ve seen previously, MOTM Majewski’s return continues to bring out the best in McKenna. Whilst his goal was probably a fluke, aided by the wind and the sub keeper, it was thoroughly deserved based on his recent form. It was noticeable that sub Moussi looked much more composed and less gangly than his recent performance against Blackpool.

Blackstock has performed pretty well in recent games and deserves to be considered as the first choice up front. McGoldrick had a frustrating afternoon getting wrongly penalised time and again.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Radoslaw Majewski

There were so many positives from the evening. Firstly, the team looked balanced with Tyson and Anderson given the chance to provide width for Blackstock and Garner. We started the game very brightly and should have taken advantage of numerous chances from a series of early corners. Most importantly, we actually played well. A number of players took the opportunity to put in their best performances of the season. Chambers, Gunter, Cohen, Anderson, McGoldrick and Blackstock all had impressive evenings.

We had to remain patient and it did look for a while as though we wouldn’t score but we got there in the end. We should have scored from one of Majewski’s decent corners but Cohen pinged one quick one straight onto Chambers who powered a header into the roof of the net. Another five minutes later, Anderson’s surge followed by Tyson blocked shot, allowed Anderson to cross for Blackstock to score from close range.

Camp was barely threatened all evening but produced one finger tip save via the post to save us a nervy last ten minutes.

Full backs Cohen and Gunter didn’t have too much to do defensively but found the stamina to get forward and support their wingers whenever possible. Cohen in particular had his best game of the season and had much more of an impact despite playing in defence. Gunter was unlucky not to score with one close range effort tipped over and was always breaking into space.


Chambers, back in the side having been dropped at Plymouth, responded very well and put in a commanding performance. Time and again, he was the one arriving from nowhere to clear to provide that all-important defensive clearance. Thoroughly deserved his goal, and easily have scored earlier when an effort hit a team-mate. Like Gunter, he seems to be loving playing for Forest and on this form, he deserves to be.
Morgan had a real battle with their centre forward Forte and was generally dominant apart from one late run where Camp and the post came to the rescue.
McKenna did what was required in midfield, making important challenges and making life difficult for the opposition. This allowed Majewski to get forward and dictate our attacks. As a combination they bring the best out of each other.
MOTM Anderson fully justified his selection down the right hand side with direct running and decent service. Worked very well in tandem with Gunter and Scunthorpe struggled to deal with their running off the ball. With performances like this, there’s no justification for Davies to select Garner ahead of him.

Tyson had one of those evenings in front of goal where nothing seemed to go right for him. Hampered by injury in the first half but he battled through and couldn’t be faulted for his endeavour. He just lacked that composure, especially on his right hand side when opportunities came his way.
Garner got his chance playing off Blackstock but didn’t really perform. Davies had seen enough by half time and McGoldrick got his chance. Haven’t been very impressed by McGoldrick so far but he looked a different proposition last night. He looked very bright on the ball and intelligent running off the ball. Should have done better from a couple of situations in front of goal but his introduction got us playing.
Blackstock looked a threat all evening, won most things in the air and thoroughly deserved his goal when it arrived. Of all our forwards, he’s been the most consistent and he deserves to be considered as first choice.

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Paul Anderson

What an afternoon. If you’re going to break your league duck for the season, you might as well save it for your biggest rivals. The fall-out from this game is going to hang around for ages and the return fixture will be a fiery affair.

Last season, we failed to deal with the threat of Commons and Hulse whilst Savage ran the show in midfield. However, this time, the improvements to our squad were evident and we more than matched them. Commons struggled to have any impact and was replaced at half-time. Hulse was handled much better by Morgan and Chambers but still remained dangerous.

We’ve got a group of players willing to fight for the shirt and each other and not let the likes of Savage walk all over us. McKenna and Majewski dominated in the first half but Wednesday’s extra time caught up with them after the break.

Having taken a deserved lead into half time, we let them back into the game with a couple of freak own goals but we still ended up worthy winners. Their improvement after the break was due more to the tiredness and panic that set into our own side rather than any quality from the visitors.

Camp was threatened more by his own side more than anyone in a white shirt with Chambers slicing a clearance narrowly wide.The fun and games at the end has been completely exaggerated. Tyson obviously intended to complete a lap of the ground with the corner flag before their players started all the trouble. Before they got involved, he was nowhere near the visiting fans. It’s convenient to ignore the fact that there are also home fans at that end of the ground. A little misguided on his part maybe but it didn’t deserve the reaction from Leacock and his mates.  There was only one team who were the aggressors on this occasion.

Clough and his players obviously have very short memories of the antics of his players after last season. You didn’t hear any sour grapes from Forest when Savage was enjoying his scarf waving; we simply took the defeat, regrouped and got on with the season. Now it just looks like anything to take the attention away from a defeat by their local rivals. You just expect a little more from Clough jnr.

Camp was in commanding form all afternoon. His decision making was spot on throughout, with a series of confident catches. A couple of smart saves in the first half but very rarely required after the break despite Derby’s extra possession.

Gunter saw a return to last season’s form with a much improved display at both ends of the field. The rest of the defence struggled, especially in the second half when Derby came back into the game. As ever, Cohen looked good in possession but struggled against their wide players at times especially when Croft joined the game. A new left back has to be a priority with Wilson’s imminent return from injury.

Chambers typified the change in our player’s performance more than anyone. In the first half, he was dominant and comfortable in possession. However, the second half was a different story. Suddenly he looked rattled and more likely than anyone to make that mistake to let Derby back into the game. Morgan dealt well with the threat of Hulse but lacked a calming influence alongside him in the latter stages as the panic set in.

MOTM McKenna was the main man in midfield yet again and continues to lead this team by example. Unlike last season, Savage found himself second best as we established a winning lead. Carried from the pitch in the closing stages which left us with ten men, keep your fingers crossed for some positive injury news for our captain.

Majewski started the fun and games with an amazing strike within the first minute and continued to cause problems for the remainder of the half. Similar to his midfield partner and in common with most appearances this season, his influence decreased after the break. Once he gets used to the demands of this league and starts performing for longer spells, he’s going to start making a real impact for us.

Despite an early booking, Garner showed all the fight you need in this sort of game. He made some decent crosses from the right and starting to justify his selection ahead of Anderson. His presence makes us a much tougher team to beat. Never let Savage and Commons settle into their usual routines.

Tyson was quiet for long spells in the first half as we tended to threaten down our right. He made the all important contribution on half time with an excellent run to take advantage of Blackstock’s intelligent through ball. Much more involved in the second half as we looked to catch them on the break.

McGoldrick’s seems to be improving with each game now. Looked more switched on that at QPR and his movement, often down the right, caused them problems throughout.

Blackstock worked as a lone striker for the majority of the game with one of the other strikers taking it in turns to get close and provide support. He’s a proper footballing centre forward who ran himself into the ground and replaced early after the break. Always looking to bring others into the game and his presence will bring the best out of his strike partners.


 

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Tags: Games Won, MOTM Paul McKenna