Smith – 7 – one or two heart attack moments, but he played as though responding to criticism. Quicker to leave his line and quicker to bowl the ball out. A more animated Smith is no more confident, but it’s an improvement.
Chambers – 6 – fairly solid defensively, but it went no further. Some of his distribution, which consisted of absurdly optimistic balls towards Earnshaw, let his display down.
Morgan – 8 – another brute-like show of resilience from Big Wes who shaded the intriguing battle with the Pieman.
Wilson – 7 – one of his stronger performances, crowned by a vital late challenge in the first half.
Lynch – 7.5 – his best display for Forest without reasonable question. Had their winger under wraps all game and played some good balls into the box. Just one or two clumsy moments.
Anderson – 7 – his final decision-making continues to let him down, but his pace and industry on the break are an incredible outlet.
McGugan – 6 – drifted in and out of the game. If Davies can whip McGugan into shape and channel his moments of brilliance into real consistency then we will have a player of remarkable quality.
Osbourne – 7 – a couple of mistakes in the first half, but otherwise I thought he was impressive. Calm and collected in possession, he wriggles his way out of danger and plays sensible balls with impressive accuracy. He doesn’t have the livewire quality of Moussi, but he seems to be a very good signing.
Cohen – 7 – he gave possession away a couple of times but his legwork and relentless spirit are vital in close games like this one.
McCleary – 7 – caused a lot of headaches with his jinking runs and pace. I was concerned that his, ahem, gamesmanship late on was going to be a semi-serious injury.
Earnshaw – 8 – you cannot ask anymore from a 5ft centre forward on a night like this. Two very well taken goals, and his record at Forest continues to be as brilliant as it has been everywhere else.
