Smith: League Is Wide Open

Paul Smith believes the League One promotion race has been blown wide open.

And he says Bristol City's shock defeat by relegation battlers Bradford has given Nottingham Forest a massive boost in the automatic promotion race.

The second-placed Robins would have edged seven-points clear of Forest with victory on Tuesday night.



Instead the gap remains four points - with the two sides set to meet in just over two weeks' time.

And the Forest keeper (pictured below) says the result has given them a real window of opportunity.

'We had half an eye on the result and with Bristol City losing it is wide open again,' he said.

'We have two home games coming up and, if we get things right, we have a chance of picking up six points.

'And, at the same time, Bristol City have two tough away games.

'We have had tough games against both Crewe and Doncaster this season, so we know they have got a tough task. We hope for results there to go for us.

'We know if we get six points on the board between now and then it will make it even more important a game.

'We are looking forward to it - but we have to look forward to our two games at home first.'

Smith admitted that City's slip has heaped extra importance on Forest's trip to Ashton Gate - but says that, with nine games left, the result there will not decide whether they win automatic promotion.

'There are 27 points to play for and, even if that is classed as a six pointer, there are plenty of other matches.'








Nottingham Evening Post

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