The Guedioura Show

Well first of all I will surmise the game on Saturday as saying that we saw what Adlene Guedioura is all about. What a monumental performance he put in for Forest on Saturday. At the centre of most things it was the player we have been screaming out for.

And additionally a goal!! A sweet merciful goal at home. I almost forgot what the Fratelli's sounded like. Poor bloke who has to press that button to play the song has been largely redundant for the past few months.

Garath McCleary did what he is starting to do more, score a long range quality goal. And he did it again this with a low drive into the corner from around 25 yards. And the team celebrated by pointing to the sky and dedicating the goal to Nigel Doughty.


And this had at the start given the game an odd feel. Starting with the minute’s applause for Nigel Doughty. It was strange seeing people cheering for the man that I remember some people denouncing and vilifying a few weeks ago. But that is football.

The minute’s applause was pretty largely respected. And I think largely genuine. The Watford fans also joined in, which was good to see. And it was obvious that it had also enthused the players to put in a performance. Guy Moussi coming to the Trent End before the game pointing at his black arm band and clapping showed what it meant to the players.

We looked bright throughout, and as I say Guedioura was majestic in the middle. McCleary also put in a top showing, and the new defenders all looked the part. Wooton playing at right back was a surprise, but he played well there. It was also interesting to see Elokobi to be unleashed on long throws for a new tactic. Interestingly though mainly in the first half where there was less run up space than if he was on the Main Stand side.

However, when Watford scored it was the air of resignation amongst fans. No-one was hugely shocked, no gasping intake of breath, no anger. Mere acceptance that we conceded.

The second half could have gone both ways, we did play well, and had the better chances, mostly falling to Gunter ghosting in at the back post. He hit the bar, skied a great effort and headed over the bar. This was also after a first half effort, where he looked like he scored lobbing the keeper that shifted wide before being cleared.

Findley also messed up a great chance when a perfect through ball was played by Reid, a truly wonderful pass designed for a pacey striker to latch on to. Findleys first touch though was horrendous and it ran through to the keeper to let the chance go begging.

Frustrating that we failed to win a game there for the taking, but there were a lot of positives to take. The new signings bedded in quickly. We scored. We created chances. We just need to get the extra bite in front of goal.