Reds Back To Winning Ways

This was by no means a convincing performance from Forest today, but they bagged the points and remain in touch with the leaders. A win is a win and in our current form that has to be a good result.

CC decided to stick with Breckin at the back, despite Morgan being fit and to be honest he didn't put a foot wrong today. Mind you Tranmere were not exactly the most testing of opponents. Tyson was on the bench, as Arron Davies made his full first team debut and looks like he is going to be an asset to us, just as we all hoped. Still early days, but the omens are good.

It was a scrappy start once again and the visitors did nothing to help, in what was to turn into a pretty dire first half. Rovers threatened as early as the 2nd min with a Taylor header, but it was saved by Smith. That was just about all the threat that the visitors posed. Forest weren't much better though and had few chances themselves. Our best chance fell to Davies, who showed great one touch control from a KC cross. He tricked the defender and unleashed a volley that forced keeper Coyne into his only save of the half.

Thankfully there was none of the now customary booing of the team at the break. Such is the atmosphere at the City Ground nowadays, you could hear a pin drop as the ref blew his whistle. The half time news from around the other L1 grounds was to bring no cheer either, as Leeds and Orient were both winning. Even the Sheep were holding their own against the Villa.

The second half started as badly as the first, but just as you were thinking the game had 0-0 written all over it the Reds were given a penalty. Although it will be hotly disputed by the travelling fans, from where I was in Capitol One, it was a clear handball by Sherriff. Agogo stepped up and sent Coyne the wrong way to give us the lead and at long last awaken the comatose City Ground crowd.

This is the point that you realise as a supporter, that if your team gives you something to shout about then shout you will. The crowd got right behind the lads and an atmosphere was threatening to break out. Just as the crowd were having life breathed back into them, Taylor sent something of a warning shot by way of a lousy effort that went, high, wide and not so handsome. It could have been an equaliser, but that's why we got rid.

Tyson replaced the not so effective Commons in midfield and immediately went on a pacey run from the centre only to be scythed down. Moments later he was running at the Rovers defence and caused havoc when he released a thunderbolt that went high over the bar. The Reds were beginning to look better.

Bennett was to become the provider of the second and decisive goal. His excellent cross into the middle of the box was met by Tyson, who hit the sweetest of volleys into the net. 2-0 to the Reds and we were home and dry.

Tranmere had a good effort saved by Smith in the dying seconds from a Sherriff header, but it was to be Forests' day, as we were just about worthy of the points.

It's Southend on Tuesday, for another stern test, but players and supporters alike can take a little heart not only from this result but from others elsewhere, as Lucky Leeds United finally lost and we stay firmly in touch with the leaders. We now sit in 4th place, only 3 points off poll.

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