Cotterill's Forest fall short yet again
By MJL
January 22 2012
Two converted controversial penalty decisions see Forest go down 2-1 to league leaders West Ham despite a stunning consolation goal from Lewis McGugan deep into stoppage time.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
nPower Championship
West Ham | 2-1 | Nott'm Forest | |
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West Ham
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Substitutes
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If there's one thing Forest have grown used to this season, it's the feeling of dejection following a defeat in which they feel their players simply weren't trying hard enough. Somewhat promising then that today's scoreline flatters their high flying opponents.
Forest started the game brightly with Marcus Tudgay, Lewis McGugan and Paul Anderson all missing chances to put ahead a Reds' side that just can't seem to put away their chances at the minute. This failure to convert means that Cotterill cannot simply hide behind bad luck, as the side currently languishing in the relegation zone outfit could and should have been two goals to the good before Tony Bates's poor decision.
Pressure is mounting on the underperforming boss, with nearest placed Milwall now four points clear of the relegation zone.
Since his arrival, Forest have conceded 30 goals in 20 in all competitions and failed to find the net in 12 consecutive fixtures. Sean O'Driscoll was drafted in before today's game as first team coach and while the game saw a marked improvement in performance, points are all that is important when you're battling relegation.
Coterill was the man with all the excuses after the whistle.
"Even the second was debatable, if it hit Gunter's arm it only hit the hairs on it, but I can understand why that one was given.
"We were the better team and have lost 2-1, we played good football today against the team that is going to be promoted."
But he also welcomed the return of centre back Wes Morgan saying, "Today I got my team back, there are a few more round pegs in a few more round holes.
"We had two centre backs today, the team was better balanced, we were better in midfield because we had Moussi there, McGugan and McCleary were both excellent today."
"We were the better team and have lost 2-1, we played good football today against the team that is going to be promoted."
But he also welcomed the return of centre back Wes Morgan saying, "Today I got my team back, there are a few more round pegs in a few more round holes.
"We had two centre backs today, the team was better balanced, we were better in midfield because we had Moussi there, McGugan and McCleary were both excellent today."