NFFC vs Cardiff City 31.11.11

'If Forest had scored just one goal in their last seven games, they would have picked up seven points and be in a much better position.'

The words of Colin Fray after we dominated a game, failed to score and lost 1-0. Again.

When I started this blog, never did I think that I would be lost for words. But even I realise that I'm just typing the same stuff, week in, week out.

The most used comment I've had for the blog is that it's too long. So this may suit everyone when I simply say: 'refer to last post for match opinion'.

In fairness, the performance was even better than the Peterborough game. I felt we dominated even more and actually had chances that got me on the edge of my seat.

We had a couple of penalty shouts turned away, McGugan rifled a beautiful half volley just past the post and even a Marcus Tudgay bicycle kick couldn't change our luck.

I had allowed the thought of our luck changing when Kenny Miller missed a sitter from six yards.
Then Peter Whittingham delivered a sublime ball which the Scottish striker met perfectly and the ball looped into the top corner.

You have to feel for the players. I mean everyone connected with the club cannot believe our fortunes at the moment, but they must not know what else they can do out there.

Naturally, everyone has their own opinion. I've spoke to a few people who actually don't think we're playing that well. Saying it's okay to dominate possession but if you don't make advancements in terms of terrority then it makes no difference.

It's an interesting angle. Not one I agree with. Not when you compare our performances now with those performances under McLaren. We have come on leaps and bounds.

Also, it was brilliant to hear the City Ground in full voice once again. It appears fans are beginning to realise how important it is to get behind the team rather than slating them. There were a few boos at the end, but that's just frustration more than everything I think.

Camp - Again, don't feel like he had a bad game. Could do nothing about the goal, perfectly placed header and his distribution and temp of play was good. 8/10
Gunter - Came out this week and said he wants to stay at Forest. Great news. Premiership defender. He does have one weakness though and that's heading a ball. He got caught out, not for the first time this season as Miller nipped in. Put a dampner on his performance. 7/10
Chambers - Again, solid performance. Cardiff rarely got behind the back line and this was down to Chambo's marshalling. 8/10
Lynch - My man of the match and still the frontrunner for player of the year for me. Everytime he plays at centre back, the defence looks so much more assured. Made a world class block in the first half as well. Dedication to the cause. 9/10
Cunningham - Great news about securing this lad's services until the end of the season. Another performance where very little got past him. Assured, calm with ability in abundance. 8/10
McCleary - Terrorised the left side of City's defence in the first half. So much so that Cardiff put two men on him at all times in the second half and the winger doesn't have enough experience so how to shake them off so went missing a bit in the second period. 8/10
Moussi -  Still don't feel we're seeing his best form. Seems a bit unsettled. Was strong and powerful in the middle of the park but made some bad decisions in terms of moving the ball. 7/10
Greening - Has dramatically improved of late. More freedom under Cotterill is an obvious change, but he's getting stuck in, winning the ball and attempting to stamp his authority on the game a lot more. Still went missing from time to time but much improved. 8/10
McGugan -  Such a difference from Boxing day. Clearly isn't a left winger but didn't let it effect him. Wanted the ball and always did something productive with it. Real class on the day and showed it with his half volley that deserved to fly into the net. 8.5/10
Tudgay -  Same old story, such a workhorse. Cannot fault his effort and determination and I genuinely think he loves it at Forest. The run in the side has improved his confidence as well and he's getting a few fans. 8/10
Findley - Gutted that he goes injured after such a short time. Even in the five minutes he was on the pitch, he managed to scare the defence and round the keeper before being brought down. Hope it's not serious. 2/10
Derbyshire - Only player that has any negativity surrounding him. He simply is nowhere near good enough. Ambles about on the pitch and shows no effort in wanting to score a goal. 2/10
Reid - Similarly to the Peterborough game, worked hard and offered a threat on the left flank. Maybe his fitness means he can't play 90 minutes. 7/10
Bamford - Nice to see the young striker given a chance. In the 20 minutes he was on, he showed ability, confidence, strength and pace and I expect him to be involved at Ipswich. 7/10

So onto today and Ipswich away. What a chance this is for us to turn our season around.

Ipswich have had a mini revival recently and have had some good results. But they have conceded goals and are still a relegation candidate in my opinion. Secretly, I'm rather confident for today's game.

However, we will miss Lynch hugely and it doesn't look as if Marlon will get the international clearance which is a massive shame. But there's nothing we can do and fingers crossed, we all pull together and a new year means a change of luck.

Or maybe, I'll just copy and paste this post in preparation for the next blog entry.