Cheerio Dario-Cheerio Auto

The League table doesn't lie and Forest have just about finished where they deserved, in 4th place. It's now Yeovil in the playoffs and a showdown with one of the best midfielders in the League Chris Cohen on Friday night.

Over 27,000 fans urged the players on today and got behind the team from the start. The players though, whilst putting in the effort and showing a fair amount of commitment, failed with the final pass and all too often just gave the ball away. Credit to Crewe, who despite having five at the back, came forward and had a go and will no doubt claim they had chances to win the game. All in all, a pretty lacklustre affair from the players today.

Smith was called into action early on when forced to make a good save with his legs from a Maynard effort. The crowd was roaring the Reds on when the early news of a City goal came through, this spurred the crowd, but unfortunately not the players. Although the effort was there for all to see, also on show was Forest's inability to find one of their own men when passing the ball. Commons was working hard, but it just wasn't going for him today. The midfield was having to battle hard as Crewe were showing no signs of lying down and were determined to send Gradi off in style. Forest had few chances in the first half, but went close with headers from Chambers and a couple of half hearted shots from Commons and Prutton.

Maybe the news of Bristol City leading comfortably had an effect on this performance, maybe 46 games was taking it's toll. The second half though saw the Reds go off the boil somewhat and played like a side that knew it's fate. Lester was probing and came close with a shot, but he was finding it difficult to break down a solid Crewe backline. Grant Holt was replaced by Dobie, with nearly half an hour left in an attempt to find a way through. But Crewe held firm and had further efforts from Maynard and Varney denied by Smith.

Scott Dobie had the best chance of the game when Lester sent him away with a good ball. Dobie made the most of his pace and from a tight angle saw his shot come off the post. Forest were now being restricted to long range and speculative efforts. Crewe were not out of it and should have took the lead when Carrington wasted what looked like a certain goal. His close range shot was easily saved by Smith.

As much as the crowd urged the side on and tried to put some fire in the Forest bellies, Forest today showed why they failed to get automatic promotion. Quite simply after 46 games, they were not good enough. So, it's down to Yeovil on Friday for the 1st leg of the playoffs. It will be a tough one to call, but surely they won't let us down now. Will they? The last word should perhaps be congratulations to Bristol City. They didn't bottle it on the final day as we hoped and are deserving of their place in the Championship. Fair play to them. It's also, Cheerio Dario and hopefully cheerio to League 1.

Forest: Smith, Curtis, Chambers, Breckin, Wright, Prutton, McGugan (Gary Holt 82), Perch (Bastians 85), Commons, Grant Holt (Dobie 61), Lester.
Subs Not Used: Pedersen, Bennett.

Booked: Lester.

Crewe: Williams, Bignot, Baudet, O'Donnell, Jones (Moss 58), Lowe, O'Connor (Roberts 72), Cox, Rix (Carrington 72), Maynard, Varney.Subs Not Used: Higdon, Miller.

Booked: O'Connor.

Ref: J Moss (West Yorkshire).

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