It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to write about victory on here! I hope there's more to come.
Admittedly, I didn't go to the game but did see it on the television. What a shame I had to watch the majority of it on mute due to the appalling punditry by Matt Holland and Leroy Rosenior. Could have been worse I suppose, had they employed Steve Claridge for the game. The BBC must be really struggling for cash or are simply inept by genuinely believing these 'pundits' know what they're on about. If they didn't have a sheet with all the information on and a practice run before they go on air, they'd be up shit creek without a paddle. But that's just a minor rant.
As for the game, I was ecstatic to see Lynch keep his place, albeit as a left wing back, following his performance in midweek. It would have been very easy to drop Lynch, bring Chambo back in and go back to a team that seemed 'correct'.
McClaren addressed the back four had been shipping goals and made it stronger by putting a 5th man in there. Honestly, I don't agree with the formation. We have far too many talented midfielders to only play three and I felt we were overran in the middle of the park at times, but as the gaffer keeps saying; 'you won't win games if you don't keep a clean sheet'. He's absolutely correct.
Again, I don't feel the performance was brilliant and we rode our luck. But that's the first time this season that 'luck' has gone in our favour. Times are changing? Still lots of hard work to be done. But maybe we've turned a corner.
Simple things seemed to make a difference. Campy controlled his box and performed a superb save to deny Garner and then to deny Forsyth when it seemed easier to score. Greening worked harder to shut down attacks. These little battles on the pitch all add to the bigger picture and can point to the fact that we collected three points.
Camp- As mentioned above, beginning to show glimpses of his form last season. Much improved, much more vocal. Needs to continue. 7/10
Gunter- Probably the worst game I've seen from Gunts for a while. Forsyth ran the show against him and the Welshman never got close. Caught ball watching a few times as well. Worked hard up and down the wing though. 5/10
Morgan- Strong, dominant, powerful. A superb performance from the major oak. Certainly fighting for his place and it's good to see. 7/10
Chambers- Again, it was improved. Won challenges and the odd aerial battle but still a bit off the pace at times. 6/10
Hill- For a debut, it was solid. Couple of nervous touches in the opening few moments but settled and got stuck in well. Bit of match fitness and practice and he could prove vital. 7/10
Lynch- Most would think it unthinkable but for the second time running, he's my man of the match. Caused many problems down the left flank, strong in the challenge and showed composure on the ball. Mr Reliable. 8/10
Greening- Had his fair amount of stick but yesterday was better. Stuck to his task and stopped Watford progressing. Struggled to keep up with the pace of play but never stopped trying. 7/10
Moussi- Similarly to Lynch, the effort from the French midfielder cannot be questioned. Such an intimidating presence in the middle, he worked tremendously hard to win the ball and then to move the ball forward to put Forest on the attack. 8/10
McGugan- Like Tuesday, he seemed up for it initially but quickly lost interest and forgot he was on the pitch as the first half drew to a close. Always has the ability to do something out of nothing though and that's key in a tight game. More effort needed. 6/10
Findley- As always, USA ran his socks off. Chasing down channels and trying to take defenders on. Some nice one touch passes as well. 7/10
Miller- I actually found the striker quite lazy on saturday. Didn't feel that he offered much presence up front and probably would have taken him off seconds before his goal. Shows how much I know! Did take his goal well. 7/10
Derbyshire- Can probably feel hard done that he's been left out of late. Came on and worked hard. Chased well and looked comfortable on the ball. Excited by the future if he can get a few goals under his belt. 7/10
Tudgay- Nice to see 'tuds' back in the set up. Always believe he can score goals at this level. Didn't have long enough to make an impact but unleashed a nice low shot which on another day, would skid away and hit the back of the net. 7/10
Reid- Similarly to Tudgay, didn't have long to make an impact but came on and added experience. Worked hard and hassled the opposition. Did what was asked of him. 7/10
So it wasn't great, it wasn't pretty, but it was a win. A vital three points that gives us a bit of breathing space and the beginning of foundations has potentially been set. Confidence will have increased and we can take in into Sunday's game against a Birmingham side who aren't exactly setting the division alight at the moment.
I just pray the protesters stay away.
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