Forest 1-1 Tractor Boys

Not for the first time this season, Forest fans left the City Ground in disappointment. It wasn't for any lack of effort on the players part that sent them home with only a point, but more worryingly, a lack of ability in dealing with a higher standard that was their downfall.

After 12 games so far this campaign, it has become abundantly clear that this Forest squad falls way short of the quality needed to survive, let alone prosper in the Championship. On last nights' showing alone, players such as Chambers, Morgan, Lynch, Wilson, Cohen, Tyson and Cole simply can't cut it at this level. Harsh words but true in my opinion.

Ipswich were a side not quite firing on all cylinders at the moment and would have been taken to the cleaners by a more ruthless or adept team. As it was, they controlled the game for long periods without causing any real threat. Forest had two goals disallowed in the game and it has to be said, rightly so. Both McCleary and Tyson were offside when knocking the ball into the net.

The good points from a sorry night for Forest were, a confident debut from new keeper Lee Camp, some promising moments from Anderson, Fletcher looking better than at least I feared and another decent showing from the ever improving McCleary. We didn't lose, which has to be a bonus these days and we scored another goal.

The Reds' deservedly took the lead with a well worked goal on 32 mins. Some neat play for once, saw a deflected shot come out to McCleary, who hit a belter low and hard from 25 yards out. It never lifted more than an inch off the ground, before ending up in the back of the net.

Ipswich could have levelled before the break when they hit the bar with a bullet of a shot. I couldn't see who struck it, but it was a belter that had Camp beaten all ends up and was worthy of an equaliser. 1-0 at the break though at least gave us hope.

Forest started the second half minus the injured Bennett, who was replaced by a nightmare called Lynch. The newbie from Brighton looked like a fish out of water on his home debut. Never have I seen a player who worries me so much. Not even Wes has me clutching the seat the way this fella does. He can't pass, tackle, head, shoot, or even control the ball. He should fit right in here.

If Forest shaded the first half, then it was certainly the visitors who dominated the second. We lost whatever control we had of the game as Ipswich gained the upper hand. Although they were dictating what was happening on the pitch, it was without any real threat. Camp hardly had a save to make all night long, but even that did nothing to calm the nerves of the edgy home support.

The visitors were looking worthy of a point and they got their reward from an unnecessary penalty. Anderson made a rash tackle in the box and brought down Quinn. The resultant kick brought the scores level. This gave the Tractor Boys a lift and saw Forest go on the backfoot. We looked nervous and lost whatever confidence we had. That probably goes with the territory when you're bottom of the table though. As much as both sides huffed and puffed a second goal was never going to come. A draw was a fair result, which is all well and good when you're cruising mid table. But Forest need wins and they need them now.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.