lost that loving feeling - Forest 1 Tranmere Rovers 0

It has happened before and is likely to again and again. The boo-boys at the City Ground proved to have short memories as Gareth Taylor became the hero only five minutes after being greeted as a second half substitute with a chorus of boos. The double substitution, involving Taylor and Spencer Weir-Daley replacing the ineffective crowd favourites Lester and Johnson, was the key moment in a game that Forest had struggled to impact upon. Tranmere, like many other sides already have this season, came to the City Ground with the aim of defending solidly and possibly nicking a goal on the break.

The first half was a disjointed affair with neither side making much of an impression. The Reds looked lethargic and were making it all too easy for Tranmere’s defence. It makes no sense to even try and hoof long balls up to the smallest player on the pitch, Johnson, when the defender he was up against looked to be well over 6 and a half foot tall. When Forest passed the ball around they looked half-decent, but periods of the half wouldn’t have been out of place in a Sunday morning pub match.

There were bright points however. The midfield combination of Frio and Perch are beginning to develop an understanding and both had their best games of the season so far. Frio has suffered criticism from the fans in recent weeks too, but showed glimpses of why he is so highly regarded by Megson. Neat passes and good vision, along with a willingness to get stuck in, were evident and if his form continues to improve as it has been he will prove to be an excellent signing.

It was Tranmere who came closest to scoring in the opening period. A quick break left the Forest defence split wide open and Roberts was left with just Russell Hoult to beat. He didn’t and the last 15 minutes of the half were, quite probably, the dullest witnessed on Trentside for many a year. I cannot remember anything of note occurring, except for wishing away the extra two minutes added on by the 4th referee.

The second half began slowly but the Reds were beginning to impose themselves on the game a little more. 5 minutes into the half it looked certain that Forest had scored. Frio’s effort was somehow cleared off the line and Forest began to look like a side that could create chances and be dangerous. Commons’ influence was increasing and Forest’s build up play was neat. But the two strikers looked slow, unable to get onto the end of anything that was provided.

Gary Megson had noticed this too and made his double substitution, to the chorus of boos, 15 minutes into the half. Immediately Forest looked lively again. The pace of Weir-Daley was causing Tranmere’s defence problems and Taylor’s height gave the Reds an extra option. It took just five minutes for the heavily abused striker to hear his name being chanted out from the terraces. A left-wing cross from Commons was nodded home at the far post and the crowd went wild. Taylor is used to this kind of treatment from the City Ground faithful but today showed his worth as a substitute who can come on and mix things up a little.

Had James Perch, who was my man of the match, managed to keep his shot down following some lovely build up play the Reds may have put the game out of reach. As it was Tranmere offered very little in the way of attempting to get back into the game. The Forest defence were playing well, marshalled by the captain Breckin and the improving Wes Morgan. There was no way back and the final whistle was greeted with cheers and much relief.

A fifth game unbeaten has seen Forest move into 9th, just one point away from the play-off places. The side is now beginning to gel and isn’t at full strength yet. Next up is a trip to the joint leaders, Southend. Avoid defeat there and the confidence will flow through the side, but it will be Forest’s toughest challenge yet. Southend have just won a club record seventh game in a row and are flying. The last time Megson’s men travelled to a team on form was Swansea last Saturday, they were unlucky not to win. We may even have a side in which no player is getting booed very soon. Here’s hoping.