Nottingham Forest 4 Doncaster Rovers 1
NOTTINGHAM Forest hammered Doncaster 4-1 at the City Ground to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship to ten matches – and gain some revenge over Rovers.
Doncaster had condemned Forest to a 4-2 defeat that cost Colin Calderwood his job on their last visit on Boxing Day last year.
But current Reds boss Billy Davies had no such worries as his side romped to an emphatic victory.
Second half goals from Wes Morgan, Robert Earnshaw and sub Lewis McGugan secured a deserved three points.
Forest had initially taken a 1-0 lead into the interval at the City Ground – but only after riding their luck.
An own goal from defender Gareth Roberts had put Billy Davies' side ahead in the 17th minute, as the Doncaster man deflected a Paul Anderson cross into his own net from close range.
But it was the visitors who had finished the half the stronger of the two sides, with Billy Sharp side footing a great chance wide and Wes Morgan also producing an outstanding sliding challenge to block a drive from James Coppinger.
Forest had also come close through Robert Earnshaw, who was thwarted by a fine save from veteran keeper Neil Sullivan, and Dexter Blackstock, who headed wide from a corner.
While a quick break down the left culminated with Polish international Raddy Majewski firing wide from a good position in injury time.
Doncaster almost netted a second own goal immediately after the break as Gunter flew down the right flank before flashing the ball across the face of goal where Sam Hird prodded a panicked attempted clearance just wide of his own net.
It was not long until Forest did get their second, with a Majewski drive deflected for a corner. The Pole took the flag kick himself and bent the ball perfectly to the far post where Morgan rose the highest to plant a firm downwards header into the net.
Doncaster where still dangerous on the break and Shiels caused a nervous moment for the home fans as he turned and stroked a clever shot inches wide – while Sharp missed another second golden opportunity, this time heading wide from close range.
But it was Forest who tied up victory, with two goals in the space of two minutes. Firstly Earnshaw lashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner after a Majewski pass had split the Doncaster defence in the 77th minute.
Then, less than a minute after coming off the bench, McGugan netted a remarkable goal, beating two players down the right before smashing an unstoppable finish across sub keeper Smith and inside the far post.
Doncaster pulled one back as Billy Sharp connected powerfully with a corner as Forest switched off for a second.
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by John, Loughborough
Sunday, November 29 2009, 8:39PM
“this is getting serious now - its not even december and i'm celebrating a 2-1 defeat for cardiff., keeping forest 4th. Note that sheff u only five points adrift despite being terrible all season - bramall lane a week on tues is going to be tasty”
by John Brindley, Loughborough
Sunday, November 29 2009, 8:00PM
“Yes, I definitely, have egg on one side of my face. I was surprised by the eventual wide margin between the two sides.
What I have consistently said on here is that Forest shouldn't settle for being a mid-table side and on that score our performance yesterday vindicated me.
I hoped that Billy Davies would pick two strikers and go out and attack - and he went a fair deal further than that by picking two genuine wide men as well.
He definitely won the tactical battle yesterday.
Forest are a very good side and personally I'd just like to see this squad given a chance tto knit together and improve further without continuing to splash the cash.
Another point I'm trying to get over is that there is a huge link between finance and success on the field - for example, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpoool are not over remarkable achievers, they are doing exactly what they should do. This was not the case when Forest were the Kings of Europe, we were the biggest over-achievers in football history.
Having said all that, I would much rather watch Forest play now than at virtually any time since we were last in the Premiership.
As for the comment re. Lewis McGugan - I've always said he is the most talented player at the club and should be a regular. Same with Earnie, who would be first name on the teamsheet every week. Should be a fascinating second half of season and Forest are in with a very realistic play-off chance.”
by T, Notts
Sunday, November 29 2009, 12:44PM
“what? King Billie Piper? how dare u get his name wrong!...its King Billy!
Regarding Billy's shopping list, its apparently been positively received by the acquisition panel so things look good.
Also I would like to point out that it's one month to January transfers and the transfer panel have already started proceedings. This may lay to rest a few of the panel's critics who argue that having the panel is the reason for delay in signings therefore losing them to another club.”
by Richard, Gamston
Sunday, November 29 2009, 8:48AM
“Got to thank Doncaster for stuffing us 2-4 last Boxing Day ¿ it was the end of CC and the start of the reign of King Billie.
I was in the new joint family enclosure yesterday. Probably not a great idea putting it at the end of the Brian Clough stand next to the away supporters and under the ¿vociferous¿ Brigford upper. My 8 year old increased his vocabulary by at least 5 words and went home singing ¿Who¿s the v@rgin with no shirt¿
Just as funny was the guy videoing the enclosure ¿ every time Forest scored he kept sticking his camera in the dejected Rovers fans faces.
You Reds.”
by Paul, Nottingham
Sunday, November 29 2009, 1:04AM
“We`ve just jumped 5 places up the league.
We`ve just jumped 5 places up the league.
4 th in the table .Yes its true
4 th in the table. Amazing !!!
Did you hear the interview
with Billy on Matchday this afternoon. He`s handed his
shopping list in for January.
Quality signings if Mr Doughty
is willing to untie the purse strings again. The prospect of
very exciting times ahead
for Nottingham Forest 2010.
UuuuuREDsssssssss”