Match Report |
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Swansea City | |
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Nottingham Forest 0-1 Swansea City
Just got back from the game. Pre kick off, I expected us to be 'backs against the wall' against a rampant Forest side after all our injuries, but that's not how it panned out at all, so I'm being very philosophical this evening. We did NOT deserve to lose that game. We were the better team for long periods and got stronger as the game went on. Forest, by contract, were disjointed. Yes, they created two or three good scoring chances, but so did we. I'm very unhappy about the penalty decision not being given, but it was up the other end, so I'll hold fire until I've seen the TV tonight. I'm more unhappy about the corner from which they scored. First of all there was a very good shout for offside which the lino ignored, and also the ref didn't know which way it had gone, corner or goal kick, so he looked at the lino, who didn't move his flag because he didn't know either. So the ref signalled corner. Surely he should give the benefit of the doubt to the defending side? Half our players were still appealing about these two decisions when the ball came over, we weren't organised, and the ball was in the back of the net. I didn't come away too disappointed; that may sound daft, but I'll tell you now, if we continue to play like that for the next twelve games, we will make the play offs, and then I don't fear anyone, certainly not Forest. Player ratings: Doris 8 - was rock solid, safe, quick and brave all game. Did he flap at the goal? Maybe, I need to see it again. Rangel 8 - he's back to his best, sharp and aggressive in defence, plenty of confidence going forward in attack. Nice turns of pace to get out of trouble in his own half today and turn defence to attack. Tatey 9 - simply outstanding, maturing like a case of fine wine, won everything he challenged for, and covered for Ash 8 - rock solid and streetwise, just one slip up, a real blooper, being caught stumbling on the ball thrity yards out through indecision. Nearly proved fatal but there was Tatey, covering like a good 'un. Jazz 7 - caught out once or twice and showed a bit of inexperience, but mostly held up well against lively Forest wingers. Dyer 4 - clearly not fit, he had the touch of a blacksmith with Parkinsons disease, lost possession time and again, way off the pace in thought and movement, Sousa agreed and mercifully took him off at half time. Gower 7 - solid performance in the Orlandi/Allen playmaker role without doing anyhing too spectacular, just kept the ball moving nicely. Pratley 8.5 - all action and all over the pitch as usual, looked a class above Forest's midfield, it usually took two or three of them to stop him. Why didn't he shoot when clean through? He must have been tripped. Roll on the FL Show. Leon 8 - the perfect link man in midfield, always there to take the pressure releiving pass out of defence, fought like a terrier for the ball. I also counted at least four times when he won 50/50 headers in midfield. He seemed to have springs in his boots! Butler 7.5 - didn't let us down today, he put in some nice dead ball deliveries, worked hard on the wing and tackled back ferociously. Kuqi 7 - worked hard against a dirty Forest defence and dished a few digs out himself. Should have scored in first half when beating Morgan to 50/50 ball and breaking into area, only to see Lee Camp fingertip away his delicate lob. Tired visibly in last quarter and failed to hold ball under very little pressure which led to their corner, and winning goal. Right to keep him on, or no option? Subs: Great to see the travelling Jacks give the team a huge ovation at the end, and Sousa bringing them all over to the away end to acknowledge the support, with the gaffer raising his fists in salute, and touching his heart several times. Know what, I think he's turning into a Jack B*st*rd! |
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