Sheff Wed vs Nottm Forest: Resurgent Forest continue revival under Davies
Nottingham Forest's unbeaten start to manager Billy Davies' second reign stretched to four games after an impressive 1-0 npower Championship win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Forest were in control for much of the game and Radoslaw Majewski's 27th-minute goal did the damage, with the midfielder applying the simple finish after a fine run by Simon Cox.
The win ought to have been more comfortable as Cox, Majewski and Dexter Blackstock all had chances to extend the lead, but Davies' men had to settle for one.
However, it was their third success in a row and leaves them four points shy of the play-offs going into the run-in.
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For Wednesday, who rarely tested the Forest goal and put in a limp performance, it was the end of a seven-game unbeaten run, and despite their recent form they are still in a relegation dogfight, sitting just four points above the drop zone.
They came into the game unbeaten since New Year's Day, but they showed no evidence of a side playing with confidence as Forest bossed matters from an early stage.
Henri Lansbury flashed a 25-yard effort just wide of Chris Kirkland's post and Andy Reid drifted a dangerous free-kick inches wide with Danny Collins just unable to make contact.
The visitors thought they were ahead in the 25th minute when Blackstock headed home, but he was adjudged to be offside.
Reid fed the striker and he went on a jinking run, ghosting past some non-existent defending before squaring for Majewski to slide home into an empty net.
It could have been even better for the visitors soon after as only a sublime intervention from Anthony Gardner prevented Cox from converting Reid's searching centre, before the Republic of Ireland front man then dragged an effort wide.
Wednesday offered little by way of a response, much to the chagrin of a discontented home crowd, with Leroy Lita's tame effort from distance the only time Karl Darlow was called into action in the first half.
The second half was a similar affair with Forest controlling matters, although their final ball when in dangerous positions often let them down.
Majewski did fashion a chance but dragged his shot wide from 16 yards while Blackstock could not make proper contact with a header from Cox's cross.
The Owls continued to look clueless in attack, although the whistle-blowing of referee Michael Oliver did little to appease a restless support.
And they were further frustrated when Oliver opted not to award a penalty after the ball appeared to strike Jamaal Lascelles on the arm.
Dave Jones' men did at least pile the pressure on in the final 10 minutes, but Forest stood firm and marched to a third straight win.
6 Comments
by trickygaz
Sunday, March 03 2013, 12:10PM
“Its quite obvious these players are loving playing under Billy.The same players whose heads
were filled with nonsense by SoD & Am.We apear to have options aplenty all over the park.
I would expect Greening & Henderson to figure sometime soon,if the forwards can start to
produce as well as the midfielders, the skys the limit.The defence looks more solid than all season(still got big doubts over Collins),good to see Lascelles getting a run .Two pivotal home games to come.COYR!!!”
by fashy1
Sunday, March 03 2013, 10:48AM
“figaro1; E I E I E I O Forest, Notts, Mansfield!
Patbrett; agree with ever word. Isn't it god to look forward to each game with confidence and optimism. (As the players must be doing.)”
by Classical_Rob
Sunday, March 03 2013, 10:29AM
“Just had word from my SKY sources.Robert Rosario IS on the radar.”
by Craigwigan
Sunday, March 03 2013, 9:53AM
“1-0 AWAY WIN IS A BILLY TRADE MARK”
by figaro1
Sunday, March 03 2013, 5:47AM
“1 0 1 0 1 0 Forest, Notts ,Mansfield!”
by patbrett
Saturday, March 02 2013, 9:23PM
“Well done lads, and its absolutely amazing how Billy has turned this team around. Andy Read bossed the game, superb performance, Full backs darting up and down that wing, Midfield grafting their socks off, and putting their bodies in, in a very professional way to stop breakaway counter attacks, Cox movement and class, Big dex putting himself about, Center backs strong and solid. Only slight problem, need more clincal finishing. If we can sharpen up in front of goal the sky's the limit.”