It's that time of year again. When my University deadlines are approaching at a ridiculous rate, I have society restraints flying at me left, right and centre and Forest seem to be playing at home every time they play, either that or I'm able to go and watch the away game. The latter being the case this time around.
I had to miss the earlier fixture between the two sides due to being at a Channel Four open day. It says a lot about my passion for this fixture, that I genuinely contemplated missing the career opportunity just to see the match. Whatever team you support, you will know the feeling of when a good ol' rivalry is approaching. Forest vs Derby is the game that I always look for when the fixtures first appear.
The away day was then postponed so this game felt like it had been a long time coming. Such a shame that by the final whistle, it was a huge anti-climax.
I fancied our chances. Derby had had their annual decline after showing promising early signs and we were beginning to show that we had the fight to stay in this division.
But despite a sell out crowd, a tenacious atmosphere and fighting talks from both camps, the game simply never got going. A boring, drab affair that wasn't worth the £32 I spent.
Overall, as much as it pains me to say it, the game probably went the way it should have done. Derby were better on the ball, played the nicer football and controlled more of the game. We were simply overwhelmed by the occasion.
But let them enjoy this, we took six points last season and look how quickly that has come and gone! Beating Derby isn't the priority this season, making sure we are still in the same division to play them next season is far more important.
We missed Higginbotham hugely but when have I not said that? He marshalls the defence brilliantly and we need to get him and keep him fit.
Although both the team and the individual performances were not good enough - and the main reason why I won't be doing players ratings due to repeating myself - the shift that Blackstock and Tudgay put in up top must be commended. The service to them was dreadful all night but the pair of them never stopped running. Just a shame that 'Tuds' was a tad too over enthusiastic and got himself a one match ban.
There have been rumours flying round regarding Luke Varney, (although I hear that one has fallen through. Sad state of affairs when we can't even get a striker from a club that is begging money, saying that, I do feel like it's a blessing in disguise) Robbie Earnshaw who I would welcome back and think the rest of the CG would too or Ricardo Fuller who's name was banded around in January with wages being an issue. Unfortunately, I can't see how that's any different this time around.
Also a mention for the chants from the minority of Derby supporters at the end. Yes it was shameful and it was disgusting but let's not give them the attention. Instead, let's commend Blackstock and Tyson for stating how they felt on twitter while the Derby owners should be applauded for quickly coming out and stating their position. It was all handled rather smoothly.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing though. A week on and we go and score 7 away at Leeds, a day before Brian Clough's birthday. If Carlsberg did football results!
Simply incredible scoreline and what's more, the team showed real fight and passion to win it. Going behind early on before being pegged back at 3-3, we could have crumbled. But we didn't and I would have happily paid the £34 quid to go and watch that!
I expect a big crowd for the visit of high flying Brighton and expect it to be a very tough game. But if we can remain undefeated, we are giving ourselves a real chance of confirming survival long before those final day nerves.
No arrogance yet though, I'm still expecting plenty more twists and turns!
Thursday 22 March 2012
Thursday 15 March 2012
NFFC vs Millwall 10.03.11
Well I am a bit behind aren't I?!
Apologies for this, too many jobs to do not enough time.
Let's go back to Saturday 10th March and the superb victroy over Millwall. Following the dismal performance in midweek, it was essential that the lads delivered, which they did, securing a 3-1 victory and move a step closer to safety.
Take nothing away from the victory, Millwall were a side that were enjoying a decent run of form and had put a nice gap between the bottom three and themselves. They would have fancied their chances when they arrived at the City Ground, no doubt about that.
But there were two major differences in my view.
The first was the correct team selection. All 11 men playing in positions that they were comfortable with and the team were balanced and as a result, played some lovely, fluid football.
Secondly, the City Ground faithful were in excellent voice. The whole ground, backed the lads on the pitch for the duration of the game and it helped massively. I haven't been right about many things this season, but I will claim victory on this particular matter. Back the lads and be positive and they will work hard for you.
Even as Henderson got one back for Millwall, the crowd didn't get on their back and we soon got our reward when Reidy stepped up and unleashed a beautiful effort into the top right hand corner.
My oh my, did he deserve it! It was a simply superb individual performance and his ability and class was there for all to see. When the Irishman is on form such as that, the hope is that he can play week in week out. Unfortunately, with his age and stature, he can't. It's a huge shame, but it's just not plausible.
Despite Reid deservedly taking the plaudits, there were a couple of other brilliant performances. Dexter Blackstock continually puts in a shift up front and unless he scores, no-one seems to notice. He was fantastic and caused problems all afternoon for Millwall's defence.
Danny Higginbotham was also magnificent. He may as well have the captaincy with the way he leads on the pitch. He is vocal, passionate and motivated. Everything you need from a centre-half. He also popped up with a fantastic goal. Make no mistake about it, that is a tough technique to swivel on the volley.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a perfect performance and our luck was definitely in. Millwall hit the woodwork three times if I counted correctly so there were still many issues. But we should enjoy the win and more importantly, enjoy the five point gap that has now opened up.
On a seperate note, I heard rumours that the reason Tudgay and Anderson were dropped on Tuesday night was because the pair of them started a fight with Robbie Findley. I pray that this is just hearsay. As soon as the team begins to turn on each other, then it really is game over. Cotterill must manage the situation delicately and carefully and I think the punishment of dropping them both was the correct decision.
Camp - Was called into action a few times but stood up to the challenge and did well. No silly mistakes or anything to be accounted for. Solid. 7/10
Gunter - Playing in the correct decision and had a much better display than in recent. Still gets caught out from time to time but it was very much improved. 7/10
Chambers - Probably the weakest of the back four. It just hasn't happened for Chambo this season and I can only think of the captaincy being the reason. Too much of a burden? 6/10
Higginbotham - Was superb in all areas of his game. Calm, controlled, self assured. Fantastic loan signing. Just fitness being the issue now. 9/10
Cunningham - Has worked out well that he regains fitness just as Elokobi injures himself. Solid game from the left back. Committed and passionate, offers a good attacking outlet as well. 8/10
McCleary - I've said it before that his recent good form will mean oppositions will aim to keep him quiet by using more than one man to mark him. He has to be able to improve his game to beat this. Very quiet second half but took his goal well. 7/10
Guedioura - The problem with the Wolves loanee is that he's set the bar so high in his first couple of games. He wasn't poor on any level, just not as good as we've seen recently. Plenty of energy and enthuasism as always though. 7/10
Moussi - I've said it before and I'll say it again, Moussi is like an excitable dog. Fiesty, passionate, tenacious, he's fantastic in the middle of the park. But you cannot help but get nervous when hes trying to help the defence. There were a couple of dodgy challenges in and around the penalty area which could have really shot us in the foot. 7/10
Reid - Man of the match. Simply controlled the game from start to finish and outclassed the other 21 players around him. Wonderful goal as well. Just wish he'd stick to his wing! 10/10
Tudgay - Our little workhorse. What he lacks in ability he definitely makes up for in passion and energy. He was no different on Sat, chasing lost causes and being a general nuisance. Needs to be finding the net soon though. 7/10
Blackstock - Worked incredibly hard and took a few bumps and bruises for the cause. Looked a lot more confident after his recent goals and will be a vital part of the team as we aim to avoid relegation. 8/10
Wootton - Came on in the midfield and looked comfortable. If one part of the negotiations was to play Wootton for a certain amount of time, he could certainly do a job in the middle of the park. 7/10
Miller - Not enough time to make an impact but its nice to see the big man fit again. Always causes problems and held the ball up well to waste the time away. If he can begin finding the net, he'll be back in the starting 11 in no time. 6/10
Onto Tuesday night then. When it was first postponed, I think we all imagined that we'd be on the end of a spanking. Now, we've won a few games, they've had their annual slide..who knows?
It's always a good occasion!
Apologies for this, too many jobs to do not enough time.
Let's go back to Saturday 10th March and the superb victroy over Millwall. Following the dismal performance in midweek, it was essential that the lads delivered, which they did, securing a 3-1 victory and move a step closer to safety.
Take nothing away from the victory, Millwall were a side that were enjoying a decent run of form and had put a nice gap between the bottom three and themselves. They would have fancied their chances when they arrived at the City Ground, no doubt about that.
But there were two major differences in my view.
The first was the correct team selection. All 11 men playing in positions that they were comfortable with and the team were balanced and as a result, played some lovely, fluid football.
Secondly, the City Ground faithful were in excellent voice. The whole ground, backed the lads on the pitch for the duration of the game and it helped massively. I haven't been right about many things this season, but I will claim victory on this particular matter. Back the lads and be positive and they will work hard for you.
Even as Henderson got one back for Millwall, the crowd didn't get on their back and we soon got our reward when Reidy stepped up and unleashed a beautiful effort into the top right hand corner.
My oh my, did he deserve it! It was a simply superb individual performance and his ability and class was there for all to see. When the Irishman is on form such as that, the hope is that he can play week in week out. Unfortunately, with his age and stature, he can't. It's a huge shame, but it's just not plausible.
Despite Reid deservedly taking the plaudits, there were a couple of other brilliant performances. Dexter Blackstock continually puts in a shift up front and unless he scores, no-one seems to notice. He was fantastic and caused problems all afternoon for Millwall's defence.
Danny Higginbotham was also magnificent. He may as well have the captaincy with the way he leads on the pitch. He is vocal, passionate and motivated. Everything you need from a centre-half. He also popped up with a fantastic goal. Make no mistake about it, that is a tough technique to swivel on the volley.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a perfect performance and our luck was definitely in. Millwall hit the woodwork three times if I counted correctly so there were still many issues. But we should enjoy the win and more importantly, enjoy the five point gap that has now opened up.
On a seperate note, I heard rumours that the reason Tudgay and Anderson were dropped on Tuesday night was because the pair of them started a fight with Robbie Findley. I pray that this is just hearsay. As soon as the team begins to turn on each other, then it really is game over. Cotterill must manage the situation delicately and carefully and I think the punishment of dropping them both was the correct decision.
Camp - Was called into action a few times but stood up to the challenge and did well. No silly mistakes or anything to be accounted for. Solid. 7/10
Gunter - Playing in the correct decision and had a much better display than in recent. Still gets caught out from time to time but it was very much improved. 7/10
Chambers - Probably the weakest of the back four. It just hasn't happened for Chambo this season and I can only think of the captaincy being the reason. Too much of a burden? 6/10
Higginbotham - Was superb in all areas of his game. Calm, controlled, self assured. Fantastic loan signing. Just fitness being the issue now. 9/10
Cunningham - Has worked out well that he regains fitness just as Elokobi injures himself. Solid game from the left back. Committed and passionate, offers a good attacking outlet as well. 8/10
McCleary - I've said it before that his recent good form will mean oppositions will aim to keep him quiet by using more than one man to mark him. He has to be able to improve his game to beat this. Very quiet second half but took his goal well. 7/10
Guedioura - The problem with the Wolves loanee is that he's set the bar so high in his first couple of games. He wasn't poor on any level, just not as good as we've seen recently. Plenty of energy and enthuasism as always though. 7/10
Moussi - I've said it before and I'll say it again, Moussi is like an excitable dog. Fiesty, passionate, tenacious, he's fantastic in the middle of the park. But you cannot help but get nervous when hes trying to help the defence. There were a couple of dodgy challenges in and around the penalty area which could have really shot us in the foot. 7/10
Reid - Man of the match. Simply controlled the game from start to finish and outclassed the other 21 players around him. Wonderful goal as well. Just wish he'd stick to his wing! 10/10
Tudgay - Our little workhorse. What he lacks in ability he definitely makes up for in passion and energy. He was no different on Sat, chasing lost causes and being a general nuisance. Needs to be finding the net soon though. 7/10
Blackstock - Worked incredibly hard and took a few bumps and bruises for the cause. Looked a lot more confident after his recent goals and will be a vital part of the team as we aim to avoid relegation. 8/10
Wootton - Came on in the midfield and looked comfortable. If one part of the negotiations was to play Wootton for a certain amount of time, he could certainly do a job in the middle of the park. 7/10
Miller - Not enough time to make an impact but its nice to see the big man fit again. Always causes problems and held the ball up well to waste the time away. If he can begin finding the net, he'll be back in the starting 11 in no time. 6/10
Onto Tuesday night then. When it was first postponed, I think we all imagined that we'd be on the end of a spanking. Now, we've won a few games, they've had their annual slide..who knows?
It's always a good occasion!
Saturday 10 March 2012
NFFC vs Doncaster Rovers 06.03.12
It's amazing how quickly the enthusiasm disappears following a disgraceful performance such as the one I witnessed on Tuesday night.
Admittedly, its that time of year again when University deadlines are piling up as well as extra-curricular activities reaching a crescendo, I haven't had much time to write the entry. But make no mistake about it, I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to write this.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't thinking that after seven points from the last nine, we were safe from relegation. Far from it actually. I'm fully aware there will be plenty more twists or turns between now and end of the season. But it was such an opportunity missed. We had the opportunity to be seven points clear. SEVEN. But a lack of passion, motivational and tactics by the looks of things meant we were outplayed in every area of the pitch by the bottom team in the division.
I'm not a boo boy. But for those who did boo them, had every right to. The performance was a disgrace.
I've no doubts that the negativity around the City Ground is affecting the team. Hence why we have a better away record. But our big games that we have left are at home. We must be picking up points at the City Ground.
In the space of 10 minutes, I did lose all the enthusiasm I had previously had. The news of Donny signing Freddie Piquionne filtered through (and I still have no idea how they managed to pull that off) and the news that Chris Gunter was right wing. I began the night slating the selection and why are we continuously put round pegs in square holes. Chris Gunter is a right back. He is a defender. Well so I thought anyway...
The Welshman had a nightmare and I will now not pussyfoot around him. I appreciate he's an international but Wales must be a lot better at stopping crosses than Forest are. Because Gunter can simply not defend them and was hugely at fault for the second goal as he failed to mark the man at the back post.
He was also at fault for the first goal, giving the ball away but no-one saw Piquionne's strike coming, that was Premiership class.
The news of Lacelles going out on loan is good news. He deserves some first team experience and it implies Higginbotham is fit which is excellent news for all concerned.
Blackstock took his goal well and he should be bubbling with confidence. Findley on the other hand, is having serious problems. Cotterill wouldn't divulge on the radio but there is clearly something wrong. I struggle to feel sorry for the American though, he's a striker and must score goals. If he has personal problems, take some time off. Don't bring your personal problems to your profession.
Man of the match for me was Elokobi and his injury was a great shame. I hope its not as serious as first thought. However, it has been timed well with the return of Cunningham who looked to be chomping at the bit to get back involved and I was impressed with him before he got injured.
Other than Elokobi, McCleary and Blackstock, I struggle to remember any playter who performed with any pride or passion. Its not worth doing the players rating because I'd simply be repeating myself.
As for today, I'm not expecting much. Millwall have made a real fight of it of late and have been making some real strides in the league. I don't want to sound like a miserable bugger, but theres not much I can do about that at the moment. After Tuesday's performance, we've taken about 8 steps back.
It needs to be one hell of a performance to improve spirits at the City Ground today and I just can't see it happening.
Admittedly, its that time of year again when University deadlines are piling up as well as extra-curricular activities reaching a crescendo, I haven't had much time to write the entry. But make no mistake about it, I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to write this.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't thinking that after seven points from the last nine, we were safe from relegation. Far from it actually. I'm fully aware there will be plenty more twists or turns between now and end of the season. But it was such an opportunity missed. We had the opportunity to be seven points clear. SEVEN. But a lack of passion, motivational and tactics by the looks of things meant we were outplayed in every area of the pitch by the bottom team in the division.
I'm not a boo boy. But for those who did boo them, had every right to. The performance was a disgrace.
I've no doubts that the negativity around the City Ground is affecting the team. Hence why we have a better away record. But our big games that we have left are at home. We must be picking up points at the City Ground.
In the space of 10 minutes, I did lose all the enthusiasm I had previously had. The news of Donny signing Freddie Piquionne filtered through (and I still have no idea how they managed to pull that off) and the news that Chris Gunter was right wing. I began the night slating the selection and why are we continuously put round pegs in square holes. Chris Gunter is a right back. He is a defender. Well so I thought anyway...
The Welshman had a nightmare and I will now not pussyfoot around him. I appreciate he's an international but Wales must be a lot better at stopping crosses than Forest are. Because Gunter can simply not defend them and was hugely at fault for the second goal as he failed to mark the man at the back post.
He was also at fault for the first goal, giving the ball away but no-one saw Piquionne's strike coming, that was Premiership class.
The news of Lacelles going out on loan is good news. He deserves some first team experience and it implies Higginbotham is fit which is excellent news for all concerned.
Blackstock took his goal well and he should be bubbling with confidence. Findley on the other hand, is having serious problems. Cotterill wouldn't divulge on the radio but there is clearly something wrong. I struggle to feel sorry for the American though, he's a striker and must score goals. If he has personal problems, take some time off. Don't bring your personal problems to your profession.
Man of the match for me was Elokobi and his injury was a great shame. I hope its not as serious as first thought. However, it has been timed well with the return of Cunningham who looked to be chomping at the bit to get back involved and I was impressed with him before he got injured.
Other than Elokobi, McCleary and Blackstock, I struggle to remember any playter who performed with any pride or passion. Its not worth doing the players rating because I'd simply be repeating myself.
As for today, I'm not expecting much. Millwall have made a real fight of it of late and have been making some real strides in the league. I don't want to sound like a miserable bugger, but theres not much I can do about that at the moment. After Tuesday's performance, we've taken about 8 steps back.
It needs to be one hell of a performance to improve spirits at the City Ground today and I just can't see it happening.
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