Almost one hundred minutes of football, and what seemed to be destined for a well-fought draw, ended as a harrowing defeat – once again – late on for Nottingham Forest, this time coming in added time.
The game started with Forest edging to get early shots in – Liverpool cult hero, Divock Origi, attempted to get off the mark, with his left footed effort whistling past the right post. Elanga would also get the greatest opportunity, one on one with Kelleher, but hit it straight at him – needs to do better in that situation.
As for Liverpool, Bobby Clark’s curled effort went far high of the crossbar, but it showed promise; Liverpool making their way into the game, slowly. But still poor by their usual standards. Luis Diaz almost the hero, but Murillo stepped in to send it over the bar – close chances, Forest leaving their penalty area too exposed on crosses on many occasions.
Both sides fought, but to no avail as of yet – the half ends 0-0.
The second half started similar to the first: again, Nottingham Forest charging forward with early shots, but Liverpool would come closest. Robertson’s effort is deflected wide, from what would’ve been certainly on target, and potentially an opener for Liverpool in the second half.
Forest came close with Anthony Elanga though, with the Swede taking on a Toffolo cross and firing it just shy of the left post. Kelleher worried for a moment, Elanga, once again, knocking.
Nunez came the closest to a goal though, with a header from Tsimikas’ corner, somehow, saved off the line by Belgian keeper Matz Sels. A superb save from the keeper who had an excellent outing. However, the hard work would soon be undone.
After a controversial drop-ball incident, Kelleher hits it long, starts the attack, a shot comes in, deflected, Forest fail to clear their lines, and another cross comes in and finds the head of Nunez. 99 minutes, 9 minutes into 8 minutes of added time. A frustrating end to a good day.
Undone in minutes.
Scenes unfolded post match – Steven Reid red carded, Felipe cautioned. The owner of Forest furious.
A poor end to a productive game for the Reds.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC action as Callum Hudson-Odoi challenges for the ball.
