Below Par Forest Lose Away

This was the first away defeat of the season for Forest and sees us drop out of the top 6. It was a sorry performance that meant we just about got what we deserved, which was nothing.

With Tyson missing through injury, it was Agogo and the injured Holt upfront. Morgan was able to make the bench and came on as a late sub, but otherwise the Reds were unchanged. Luton settled straight away and were to carry on with their good home form. Although it was a scrappy game, they were by far the dominant side and managed to minimise any threat from the Reds. So much so that from the radio commentary Forest barely set foot in the Hatters half.

It was 25 minutes before we made an effort on goal. Forest were able to hit them on the break and pushed the ball out wide to Holt. His decent cross aimed at Agogo was well blocked and cleared. The only other moment of note for the Reds was when Clingan had a free kick just outside the box, that forced Brill to make a good save to his left.

Although Luton deserved to be ahead, the scores were level at the break. Seven minutes into the second half they got the lead, when Perry met a cross from Currie and headed home. You hoped this would be the kick up the arse they needed, but it wasn't. Although Commons did come close with a decent shot that went just over. That though was about as good as it got until Luton compounded our misery and got a second.

The introduction of McGugan was a welcome sight and gave you hope that he would spark a bit of life into the side. But he was unable to make any impression on the game. Instead it was Luton who continued to dominate and threaten. Forest were having to leave themselves open at the back as they went in search of a goal.

At the same time as we were losing 2-0, Leeds were beating Millwall 4-0 (they won 4-2!)and you just knew it wasn't to be our day. We did get a consolation goal just before added time from Bennett and it was a decent effort by the defender as well. Substitute Morgan had a header cleared off the line, but Bennett was there to side step his man, beat him and slot the ball in the net to make the final score 2-1.

Forest failed to turn up today and some would say we were carrying injuries to key players. But if we have designs on getting out of this division this year we can't afford many more performances like this. Let's all hope it was an off day and that we get back to winning ways immediately. They will get the chance to make amends as early as Tuesday night, when we entertain Oldham at home.

Teams:

Luton: Brill, Fojut, Goodall, Coyne, Perry, Bell, Currie, Edwards, Robinson, Spring, Furlong.
Subs Not Used: Hutchison, Morgan, Jackson, Andrew, McVeigh. Booked: Bell.

Goals: Perry 52, Bell 88.

Forest: Smith, Bennett, Wilson, Chambers, Breckin, Lennon (McGugan 62), Commons, Cohen, Clingan (Morgan 86), Agogo, Holt.
Subs Not Used: Sinclair, Thornhill, Roberts.

Booked: Wilson.

Goals: Bennett 90.

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