Andy Munro watches a rejuvenated Blues.
If I’d been offered a draw in advance of our match against a rampant Forest side, I’d have definitely taken it; oh me of little faith! Gary Rowett, as usual, kept an unchanged side with an unchanged formation. This theme of consistency and stability is undoubtedly paying dividends with players suddenly playing confidently without the fear of making a mistake, in front of the departed Tinkerman.
Forest brought a good following but even they failed to eclipse the noise emanating from a rejuvenated Tilton Road. However the electric atmosphere seemed to inspire both sides into a bout of thoroughly entertaining football. Blues, however, had the edge and were unlucky several times with Demarai Gray, Cotterill and Donaldson all going close. Forest were confined to a single chance when Burke seized onto a mistake and was defied by Randolph. I think at that point we all knew that it was going to be Blues’ day as it’s a rarity when an ex-Blues player DOESN’T score on their return.
Eventually Blues took a deserved lead when Cotterill scored with a ‘goal of the season’ type shot. That’s how it stayed until half time with Blues backline in the ascendancy. Caddis did a particularly impressive job on the muscular and quick Antonio and Assombolonga was held in check by the giant of a man that is Morrison, ably supported by a reborn Robbo. On the other flank, Grounds did such a good job on Burke that the Forest player was eventually taken off to the ironic cheers of the crowd.
In the second half, the pattern of play continued until Forest brought on their subs. Bringing on Tom Ince and Dexter Blackstock says something about their strength in depth whilst we brought on Novak and Reilly although in fairness neither let us down. Eventually Forest netted an equaliser but this seemed to inspire the Blues to greater efforts. Cotterill went close with a Beckham style lob from fifty yards and then Novak brought a brilliant save from the Forest keeper.
This brought a corner and when Morrison headed goalward, a Forest defender handled in the ensuing melee although only 18,000 plus the fourth official saw it. Luckily, the latter’s intervention was key and Caddis coolly slotted home a penalty despite a masterclass in gamesmanship from the Forest team as they sought to put him off.
In truth, it was no more than Blues deserved and if football managers were eligible for Sainthoods on the basis of miracles performed there would certainly be a St Gary. With the possibility of our Serbian talisman eating humble pie and returning things are definitely on the way up.