The t10red Match Report

'Robbed, mugged, beaten up and dumped in the gutter' - that was Paul Jewell's assessment of how he felt post match on Sunday. Great isn't it?! Let's face it - Stuart Attwell is our 'coffee cup'!

Before the frantic finale I was not overly impressed with Sundays officiating - with McGugan's red card and a poor offside decision against Garner indicating that we may not get the rub of the green. But then came the unforgettable climax.

A ridiculous penalty decision against Chambers saw one Addison header chalked off and then, after a glorious penalty save and another heroic effort from the resulting corner from Camp (more on him later), came Attwell's crowning glory. He inexplicably ruled out another goal - leaving eggs on the faces of those sheep botherers - Jewell included - who were already wheeling away in celebration.

That moment and the sheep's subsequent indignation was priceless.

But although Attwell wrote his name into Forest-D*rby history in a baffling Roche-esque fashion, there were plenty of positives about the Reds' performance that shouldn't be forgotten.

Firstly - take a bow Lee Camp. The fact that a D*rby fan saved Forest in such a superb manner is remarkable - but the passion he showed after not only diving to his right for a jaw-droppingly brilliant save from a Parasite (that's his name right??!) penalty and a fabulous finger tip stop to deny Thatpolishbloke-czak (also correct I think!) from the resulting corner was just incredible. As Calderwood quite rightly said - those few moments alone will win him a special place in Forest folklore. Someone sign him up!

As a team we probably played some of the 'uglier' football seen played by a Forest side this season. McCleary and Anderson never really settled, Lynch had nervy moments and Earnie was largely quiet on his return to the Sheepdip. However, there was a visible team spirit and gritty work ethic on show that was encouraging for what looks like being a long slog of a season.

Breckin's basic style seems suited to our current circumstances and his presence gave us an experienced head and someone who knew Elington well.

A special mention must also go to Joe Garner. The half-fit summer signing battled hard and proved a nuisance for the sheep backline when he was on the field. He looks to have a 'nasty' streak which pleases me greatly - we've been too nice in front of goal this year and now we've got someone who defenders will definitely not enjoy playing against. He also played one absolutely stunning ball out to Anderson with the outside of his foot - showing he has style to add to his endeavour.

The players showed the type of fight and determination which may be taken for granted by the outsider for these such occasions but given our recent showings at the wrong end of the A52 this was a refreshing change.

Perhaps this result and showing may help build an affinity between players and fans that has been lacking in recent years. It's felt a long while since the boys in the Garibaldi have been 'loved' by the masses - shown by the fact that barely a new chant has been started for any of them for five years. It will need more than just one game but maybe the passion of Garner and heroics of Camp will warrant a closer connection with the players after years of ins and outs and underwhelming performances had seemingly severed the bond.

And what of Calderwood? Teetering on the edge of a supporter revolt this time last week ol' CC must surely have bought himself some time now. A win at Palace and a point at D*rby is a great start towards a rescue package but its only a start. It's an horrendous cliche but our Stranraer supremo will need to make this a turning point.

But let's worry about the five point gap and the visit of Birmingham later. For now it's time to be proud of the boys......and laugh at the sheep of course!

You Reds!!

Thanks to t10red for a great report. You can check out more of his ramblings at trentender.blogspot.com. If you would like to write an article for the site, on anything Forest related. Then contact forest@vitalfootball.co.uk.

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