At one stage, it was rumoured that the mindless rioting may result in the postponement of the League Cup fixtures on Tuesday night. Thankfully, most police forces saw sense and placed trust in the football fans around the country that no trouble would occur.
Following last night's first round tie between Forest and our local rivals, Notts County, the city was hugely grateful for allowing the game to go ahead.
The 21,000 or so fans that took their seat in time for the 7.45pm kick off had no idea they were about to witness one of the most enthralling football matches for some time.
As an impressive 6,186 fans made the short trip across the River Trent to support the Magpies and completely taking over the Bridgford end, it was quite clear for all to see that they were pumped up for this game.
Judging from the opening 15 minutes of the game, it was noticeable that the team they had come to support, were rather pumped up for it themselves.
Paul Smith hasn't had the most illustrious career at Forest and it's safe to say, few are convinced by his overall goalkeeping ability, but he answered his critics, (myself included) in the perfect style as he kept Forest in the game in the opening stages.
A comfortable save from a Neal Bishop long range drive was just the beginning of a busy spell for Smith who saw a free kick deflect just wide before being called into action to keep out a header from Lee Hughes. Diving to his left, it was certainly a moment for the cameras as Smith somehow kept it out. Seconds later, Ravenhill struck a volley which grazed the top of the bar.
The inevitable happened in the 16th minute as Chambers conceded a free kick which, although initially cleared, was swung back in and in scrappy style, was prodded over the line by County defender, Mike Edwards.
It was the least County deserved, the goal had been coming. But more worryingly for Forest, was how uncertain they looked at the back. No player seemed to go and attack the ball and the back four seemed extremely shaky. Admittedly, this could be down to the fact that Forest had a new goalkeeper and Moloney at right back, replacing Camp and Gunter who were both on international duty, and hadn't adjusted. But surely, as a squad, they work on scenarios such as set plays and they should all be comfortable playing alongside each other.
The goal was a much needed wake up call. Following a small preview of it on Saturday, we began to move the ball in a very nice style. Quick, slick, one touch stuff that Radi Majewski was at the heart of. He has certainly given McLaren a midfield selection headache ahead of Saturday's game.
Hamza Bencherif did a stirling job on marking McGugan out the game but the one time he did get away resulted in a free kick 25 yards out. The midfielder curled the ball into the top corner and gave Stuart Nelson no chance as Forest levelled the tie on the half hour.
For the rest of the half, we were in the ascendency. Really pleasing to see the ball be moved around so comfortably and wave after wave of attack. Reid was kept out by a point blank save before Findley thought he'd opened his account for the club only to be ruled out by offside.
Safe to say, the half time whistle came at the wrong time.
But one thing I have come to learn about Forest over the years is their inability to start straight from the off. Last night was no different. County started the 2nd half just as they did the first. Credit to the defence as they held strong but it is frustrating to feel the opening ten minutes of every half is lost, as we await the lads to 'settle down'.
But on a rare attack in the 56th minute, Reid produced a sublime dink to the back post where Findley met it on the volley and guided it home from a tight angle. Fully deserved goal for the American who already appears to be a bit of a fan favourite.
With confidence at a high, he lashed a stinging shot goalwards which Nelson tipped over. It's taken a while, but Findley looks to be the real deal. Pace, strength, with signs of the ability to finish, he could easily be a main man this season.
I felt the time was right to bring on Boateng, a bit of experience and could see us through to the end. McLaren agreed and brought him on for Mcgugan. We were both wrong. We sat deeper and deeper and just invited Notts on to us. It effectively changed the game.
Notts brought on former striker Craig Westcarr in the 70th minute and after he spent many years at the club, coming through the youth system and making 23 appearances for the first team before moving in 2005, the home crowd greeted him with a generous applause.
I, for one, wish I hadn't bothered.
In the 75th minute, the striker lashed home a low drive to level the tie. Now, he was never a legend here so feel free to celebrate.
But after the fans of the club who gave him his first professional contract, applauded him as he entered the field and showed respect, I was hugely disappointed to see the striker not just overly celebrate, but run to A Block and celebrate around in front of them, knowing full well it would provoke a reaction. The frustration was that there was no reason to do it. He wasn't treated badly at Forest, to play 23 times and only get 1 goal, he's lucky we didn't get rid of him sooner.
It was immature and naive.
Lee Hughes had been lively all night but after a few opening exchanges, Chambers appeared to control him relatively well. That was until Boateng played the ball to Morgan when he should of just hoofed clear and Morgan, in no man's land, lost the ball and was out of position. The ball fell to the County striker who finished accurately, down low past Smith. 3-2 on the 100 minute mark.
The away team then sat back and soaked the pressure up as it became obvious yet again, that despite the ability of Garner, Tudgay and a tiring Findley, we don't have a typical goalscorer who can sniff out a chance in the 6 yard box. Garner lashed a volley wide of the post and the tie appeared to be over.
Following defeats to Macclesfield and Woking along with cup replays against Weymouth and Salisbury, it just felt as this was the next match to be added to the long line of embarrassing cup results.
That was before Wes Morgan came up with a 25 yard volley that rifled into the top of the net; with only 20 seconds left. Words cannot describe it. The way in which it was celebrated was the same way we celebrated at Pride Park when Robbie Earnshaw popped up with an 81st minute winner. Utter chaos. But fantastic to be a part of. The chance came out of nowhere and the centre back connected with it so sweetly. If you get the chance to watch the highlights, along with Colin Fray's commentary, seriously, it'll give you goosebumps.
Once it had all calmed down, it went to penalties. I hate to admit it, but I was backing Nelson over Smith. The first two penalties proved me right as Smith moved far too early on both making it easy to score. Greening missed and County were on top. But cool heads from Tudgay, Garner and Findley, combined with a miss from Bencherif made the score 3-3. Experienced Boateng stepped up and missed. Hearts sank. Who was going to bring this thrilling game to an end? Who else but Lee Hughes. Or so we thought.
He fired over. Chaos again round the City Ground. Captain fantastic Chambers stepped up and scored before Bishop missed. We were through. With the celebrations in full flow, Chambers ran to the Trent End and punched the air before passionately hitting the logo. It's a simple gesture to make and it's not something we see a lot of anymore, but for a stadium full of passionate supporters to see one of their players show the same desire was hugely pleasing. Long may it continue.
An incredible night of football and one that in the end I was ecstatic to be a part of. We had the clean sheet on Saturday and the 3 goals tonight, be good if we could combine the two things together in time for Saturday's game at Millwall!
Smith-Was far busier than he probably expected. Made some superb saves and seemed to have improved in many areas of his game. 8/10
Moloney-Was very shaky at first, then gained some confidence and looked like the right back of last season. Then we went behind and he lost all of his confidence again. Indifferent performance. 6/10
Morgan-His goal alone has supplied me and many others with the best memory of the Major Oak since he's been here. But he was at fault for Hughes goal. But showed real passion throughout and was always putting his body on the line. 8/10
Chambers-Seemed a bit ruffled by Hughes but soon settled. Led from the front and fought hard. Wasn't his usual imposing presence in the air though. 7/10
Cohen-Appears content to play at left back than not at all. Works hard and tackles hard. Only complaint is his lack of desire to stop the cross. But worked hard up and down the wing. 7/10
Greening-Again, very defensively minded but that may have been what he's been asked to do. Works hard and won the ball on numerous occasions. Also spread the ball from left to right very nicely. Showed good fitness as the match went on. 8/10
Majewski-Tough call with Findley but probably my man of the match. His composure and ability on the ball is a joy to watch and he revelled in the fact that he could run rings round the opposition at times who ultimately, just attempted to kick the living daylights out of him. 9/10
Anderson-Showing signs of more confidence under McLaren. Happier to go and attack a player rather than turn back and lay the ball off to the right back. Caused a fair few problems last night. 8/10
Reid-Lazy at times but when he's on the ball, he has got fantastic feet. Comfortable with the ball at all times, he enjoyed hitting the touchline or cutting inside. Cross for Findley's goal was perfect. 8/10
McGugan-Tough night for Lewis. Marked heavily out of the game, he struggled to make an impact. But still managed to be involved in the odd attack and his goal was vital and a fantastic sight. 7/10
Findley-What a night for the American. After a slow start, he seems to be settling in nicely on Trentside. Caused problems all night, not just with his pace, but his ability to hold the ball up and his movement across the backline. Deserved his goal. 9/10
Garner-Always adds a bit of fight and aggression to the pitch and he got into the right positions last night. Just needs a couple of goals to kickstart himelf. 7/10
Boateng-Not that he played badly, but his arrival changed the game. Worked hard and defended well but little else. Missed the penalty as well. Not a great night. 6/10
Tudgay-Similarly to Garner, he was forced out wide a lot. Worked hard and tried to create but never really had a massive opportunity. 7/10
Again, the football phone in was heaving with negativity, albeit less than Saturday but still overriding the positivity. One Forest fan rang up and said 'this is a team that's expected to be challenging for promotion?! Must be joking. Got played off the park by Notts County.' First of all, it's cup football. It's a whole different scenario. Look at the teams that were eliminated last night or struggled, Barnsley, Derby, Burnley, I could go on. Secondly, it was a derby match. It's common knowledge that form (which at the moment is very little due to how early it is in the season) goes out the window for these types of games and it comes down to who handles the occasion best. Just enjoy the win for once!
In other news, it was massively disappointing to see Verhoek's deal fall through. After a bit of research, the guy looked a real talent and really would have added to the squad. As for the homesick malarky, I'm a bit sceptical. I very much doubt whether he'll be in Holland come the end of the transfer period. I hope I'm proved wrong. Meanwhile, while I've been writing this, Forest have announced the signing of Matt Derbyshire. A good signing I feel and definitely wouldn't have been cheap in the wages department. Premier League and Champions League experience and knows where the goal is. A very good signing indeed and I look forward to seeing him. Seems to have gone a bit quiet on Miller and a couple of PL loanees. We'll wait with fingers crossed regarding them.
Overall, nice to have a cup victory and I hope McLaren is looking for a cup run. It'll equal a bit of extra money and wins can only increase confidence and team unity. Roll on Thursday's 2nd round draw!
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