McLeish Applauds Reds' Fighting Spirit

New boss Alex McLeish took charge of his first game as manager of Nottingham Forest yesterday from the stands and left touchline matters to Rob Kelly and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. He saw the Reds' put in a battling performance as they twice came from behind to earn a deserved point in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

McLeish was rightly pleased with a much improved performance from his new charges and was quick to praise the never say die attitude from the players. He told the official site. 'I thought there was a lot of fighting spirit. To their credit they went all the way to the final whistle. They could easily have put their heads down after that 81st minute Palace goal but they fought right to the death and that shows great character. I also saw some great quality on the field today. Reid was amazing - what a game he had, and he was instrumental in the two goals.'

Glenn Murray's well worked opening goal, was cancelled out by a brilliant strike from Andy Reid on the stroke of half time, to take the Reds' into the break level at 1-1. Palace looked to have bagged all 3 points in the 81st minute, when Murray struck again with a looping header that had Camp well beaten. That was until Reid turned provider and set up Billy Sharp, to level the scores once again in the final minute of the game.

McLeish was introduced to the City Ground faithful prior to the start of the game and was greeted with warm applause. He will have been as pleased with the crowds reaction to him, as he was the players performance. All in all, an excellent start for the new man.

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