Forest were three times denied by the woodwork, in Wembley loss against Manchester City as the Reds crash to a 2-0 FA Cup semi final defeat against Manchester City.

It’s not quite the day out in the capital Forest fans wanted this time, as the Reds were denied repeatedly by the woodwork, and lose out to the former Premier League Champions.

The first half

Forest opened it in horrendous fashion – an early goal from Rico Lewis saw the Reds already down, a massive dampener. 0-1.

Already Forest looked flat, but admittedly the biggest problem – in my view – was balance. City controlled possession of the ball, but when Forest had the ball, they were so one-sided. Elanga’s omission, perhaps for fitness reasons, was in hindsight the wrong move. Academy graduate Zach Abbott made a shock start, and despite his attempts to offer an outlet on the right side, it seemed like he wasn’t trusted, rather strange.

Forest were flat, the first half was a tough watch, and City were in full control; Mateo Kovacic was the orchestrator of said success, with his calm composed nature. In comparison, Forest’s midfield lacked said calmness and composure, in particular Danilo, who unfortunately has been below his usual standard, which you can imagine is due to the breaking of his ankle earlier this season.

The second half

Now this half could have been different. Elanga on for Danilo, and immediately he offered the energy and runs that Forest needed to beat this sharp city defence. As he came forward, a ball from Hudson-Odoi met his foot, but Elanga placed it wide. A golden opportunity, squandered.

City though, they’d take their next chance. After a penalty shout — not valid as Abbott’s arm was not in an unnatural position — referee Michael Oliver waived the calls, and said “corner it is”. City took it, and scored. Sels decided not to come out, Murillo misplaced his jump, and Gvardiol heads home the second. 2-0.

Forest didn’t sit back necessarily this half, I don’t think. There was more energy. Unfortunately, they lacked clinical edge once again.

Gibbs-White found a poor pass in front of goal, rounded the keeper – Ortega – and couldn’t score from the right angle near the byline. An opportunity missed, once more unfortunately.

Again, Forest came close, Gibbs-White with – credit to him – a superb volleyed effort, smashing the crossbar. Unfortunate not to score that, absolutely tremendous effort nonetheless.

Then another chance came, some scrambling, and Awoniyi hit the post. It bounced off the post and was put in the box again, Gibbs-White heads it far post and comes ever so close to scoring, but a superb Ortega save denies him.

On another day, perhaps Forest win that game 3-2, and Gibbs-White leaves a hero, and with an extra £10m on his price tag, but unfortunately it wasn’t that day.

Perhaps the wrong selection to start with, a rare Nuno error, mixed with a squad missing huge parts of its spine due to injury & suspension (Yates, Williams, Aina), it was never going to be an easy ask.

Wembley once again, but sadly this time not one that Forest fans will want to remember that well – but the occasion, the run, what a time. Credit to this team for their work rate.

No heads in hands for these Forest fans, rather heads up, eyes fixed on a huge Champions League battle.

*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFC Nico Dominguez in action at Wembley.