lost that loving feeling - Two games that made and broke Forest's season

For me, the past season following Forest has been epitomised by one scoreline - 4-3. As most fans will know, this occurred in the thriller down at Portman Road and the equally thrilling but heartbreaking play-off at Bramall Lane. Despite the memorable games against Derby and Norwich, and many other wonderful moments - Marlon’s wondergoal against Palace, Dawson’s tension breaker against Burnley - it is those two games that will live in the memory.

The Ipswich game. This was, without doubt the best football match I have ever been to. After the shaky start, when Ipswich took the lead, I started to think the worst. When the penalty was awarded, I thought that’s it - game over. But the penalty was saved, a bit of luck finally. Or not. I have never felt so angry at a referee than I did then, and there have been some moments this season (Cowburn, Clatternberg).

By this point, the Forest fans were not happy and the police had decided to step in. And so, whilst there was a mini-riot in the stand above my head, it was hard to remember that there was also a football match taking place. Riccy Scimeca, I think, had gone off and Thompson had come on to replace him. We all know what happened next. Ball comes to the edge of the area, Thompson strikes it cleanly and it’s in the bottom corner. 2 -1.

What happened next was just surreal. Within the space of about 5 minutes, we were 3-2 up and I’ve no idea how they did it. That just shows the strength of character in the team. But then, we threw them a lifeline by letting Marcus Bent equalise and the fans are on the edge of their seats again.

We left Portman Road with a smile on our faces as Marlon grabbed the winner with a good header from a quality cross from Andy Reid. That final goal is the sort of goal that we never would have scored before. A decent cross from a quality left winger, headed in Shearer-esque fashion by one of our 20-goal strikers.

The other match at Bramall Lane was a memorable game, but I left with the complete opposite feeling as the Ipswich game. What had happened to Forest was exactly what we had done to Ipswich, yet I felt that we had not deserved it at all. I was so pleased by the fighting spirit we showed at Ipswich, yet Sheffield United’s spirit left me feeling empty.

Forest played tremendously well that night, but as soon as Michael Brown scored, there was a sense of inevitability about the game, that was confirmed when Kabba scored (admittedly, quality). I think you can just put this down to a poor amount of luck. Forest never seem to get the luck when they need it most. Losing Dawson was a major blow – no disrespect to Walker or Thompson but a player of that magnitude is indispensable.

Next season, I hope Thompson and Dawson will establish themselves – Des Walker’s powers are waning and he can be beaten.

Anyway, Brown’s strike took a big deflection and if they had not scored then, they would have been out of it – no question. They did and the crowd got behind them, we missed our chances and they got the happy ending. It could have quite easily been us, I just hope that this team can stick together and get some success (not just promotion) otherwise subsequent dismantling could lead to this period in Forest’s history being one of wondering what could have been from such a promising group of players.

P.S. Paddy Kenny is a fat twat.