Another week, and another exciting Championship match at Ashton Gate. The league provides consistently good matches and is a welcome step up from the seven enduring years of League One. Nottingham Forest were this weeks visitors, and the young side who have struggled recently following their return to the second tier, really gave a good account of themselves and played with a confidence that defied their lowly league position.
The rivalry between the two teams has intensified since our four meetings in League One, where City failed to beat the former European champions, but the fans did manage to beat a wine cellar, unfortunately smashing the window of a busy public house. Rioting ensued, and yours truly left Nottingham with no points and a sadness in my red and white heart.
With Nottingham Forest unbeaten against Bristol City for a remarkable 34 years, it appeared that things were not looking hopeful, but the only statistic that really mattered was Bristol City were in 9th place and Nottingham Forest were lying in 21st. Nottingham were coming off the back of three unbeaten games, however and Bristol City had only won two home games out of eight, a run that will have to improve if they are to repeat last years performance.
The game started at an exhilarating pace, with the 4-5-1 of Bristol City allowing attacking players David Noble and Lee Johnson the license to be creative because of the defensive duties of Marvin Elliott in a three man midfield. With Bristol City playing an attractive brand of football, it did leave them susceptible to counter attacks, and with the strike force of Joe Garner and Nathan Tyson in devilish mood Forest looked dangerous.
It was a very open game with both teams trying to win the game. It was pleasing to see City playing their attractive brand of football once again, with short passing and movement the key rather than a direct ball from full back aimed towards danger man Dele Adebola being plan A, plan B and plan C, a tactic which means we are harder to beat but harder to watch. I have coined this approach as Diet Stoke.
The more open style of The Reds proved negative in the 11th minute however, as Nathan Tyson used his frightening pace and improved strength to edge out Liam Fontaine on the left hand touchline and when he reached the by-line of the penalty box his squared ball found Garner. The £1.14 million pound signing from Carlisle then dummied past the onrushing Marvin Elliott and Jamie McCombe, who comically crashed into each other like villains from Home Alone and the striker showed the composure to curl the ball into the goal.
The Ashton Gate crowd,which had been so appreciative of the flowing football fell silent, as the Forest fans jubilantly celebrated in the Wedlock Stand. To Bristol City's credit, the game plan did not change, because the direct balls did not come and they kept plugging away trying to create an opening. It wasn't long before the chances arrived, with Dele Adebola and Michael McIndoe both guilty of missing glaring chances. This was looking like being the game that highlighted a lack of a clinical finisher in the side, before Marvin Elliott finished a sweeping move in the 38th minute, with a rasping half volley from 30 yards which crashed in off the cross bar bringing the crowd into rapture.
Half time arrived and city legend Chris Garland was introduced, promoting his new book to a nice ovation which was a nice touch. Moments later Tristan Plummer, youth academy prodigy and YouTube celebrity for his ridiculous skills was also introduced. This time however the reception was frosty at best, with I am pretty sure only me applauding him - who says the YouTube generation are a throwaway culture?
Jamie McCombe, who has a metal plate in his cheek following a stray knee from Derby's Claude Davis was substituted at half time. He took a knock to the other side of his face, but luckily he has since been given the all clear. With a fully fit squad, it was a risk that Gary Johnson took by only having Cole Skuse as defensive cover on the bench. That risk was about to be tested as the centre midfielder joined Liam Fontaine at centre half.
Within two minutes of the restart Skuse was involved in a communication mix up with Fontaine and Adriano Basso, as a rudimentary long ball from Luke Chambers was allowed to bounce and Nathan Tyson, again utilising his speed ran past Skuse. It was reminiscent of a Lamborghini up against a Morris Minor, and as Skuse slipped, Tyson side footed the ball underneath Basso in the City goal to make it 2-1. Skuse, looking like a player out of position was nervous and cagey on the ball. Tyson was like a shark sniffing blood chasing him down every time. The crowd were all talking about Tyson, a City transfer target this summer and accordingly the talk turned to 'What ifs and If only's.
This season's ability, or inability has been letting in goals at home. We constantly have to chase the game from a goal or two behind. It shows character to come from behind, but we have had to do it too often this season. The football was becoming more desperate and David Noble and Stern John were sacrificed for strikers Nicky Maynard and Stern John. The direct balls returned, and in the 80th minute a McIndoe corner wasn't cleared and the ball fell to Liam Fontaine on the edge of the area. His scuffed shot went through the crowded area and squirmed past Lee Camp in the Forest goal. City had come from behind again, and this time the crowd believed we could go on and win it.
Both sides had chances to win the game in those final ten minutes, but the most obvious came right at the death. A Bradley Orr floated ball into the area was chested by Stern John, who was bundled from behind by Luke Chambers. The crowd's cries for 'Penalty!' were heard by pedantic referee Graham Horwood and he awarded the penalty.
Euphoria descended upon Ashton Gate. Michael McIndoe, who missed a penalty last week against Southampton eagerly rushed up to the ball and placed it on the penalty spot. The euphoria turned to a nervous hush. 'Should he be taking this?'
Once the Forest players finished their protests, it was set. Michael McIndoe in front of the Atyeo Stand against Lee Camp from 12 yards out. 17,440 people stood in unison. McIndoe, with his left foot, side footed the ball and it was saved by Lee Camp. Anger, bewilderment and confusion spilled from the stands. McIndoe ran to the post and kicked out as hard as he could. The final whistle blew and a draw felt like defeat.
Football eh?
Ross Verbals
The rivalry between the two teams has intensified since our four meetings in League One, where City failed to beat the former European champions, but the fans did manage to beat a wine cellar, unfortunately smashing the window of a busy public house. Rioting ensued, and yours truly left Nottingham with no points and a sadness in my red and white heart.
With Nottingham Forest unbeaten against Bristol City for a remarkable 34 years, it appeared that things were not looking hopeful, but the only statistic that really mattered was Bristol City were in 9th place and Nottingham Forest were lying in 21st. Nottingham were coming off the back of three unbeaten games, however and Bristol City had only won two home games out of eight, a run that will have to improve if they are to repeat last years performance.
The game started at an exhilarating pace, with the 4-5-1 of Bristol City allowing attacking players David Noble and Lee Johnson the license to be creative because of the defensive duties of Marvin Elliott in a three man midfield. With Bristol City playing an attractive brand of football, it did leave them susceptible to counter attacks, and with the strike force of Joe Garner and Nathan Tyson in devilish mood Forest looked dangerous.
It was a very open game with both teams trying to win the game. It was pleasing to see City playing their attractive brand of football once again, with short passing and movement the key rather than a direct ball from full back aimed towards danger man Dele Adebola being plan A, plan B and plan C, a tactic which means we are harder to beat but harder to watch. I have coined this approach as Diet Stoke.
The more open style of The Reds proved negative in the 11th minute however, as Nathan Tyson used his frightening pace and improved strength to edge out Liam Fontaine on the left hand touchline and when he reached the by-line of the penalty box his squared ball found Garner. The £1.14 million pound signing from Carlisle then dummied past the onrushing Marvin Elliott and Jamie McCombe, who comically crashed into each other like villains from Home Alone and the striker showed the composure to curl the ball into the goal.
The Ashton Gate crowd,which had been so appreciative of the flowing football fell silent, as the Forest fans jubilantly celebrated in the Wedlock Stand. To Bristol City's credit, the game plan did not change, because the direct balls did not come and they kept plugging away trying to create an opening. It wasn't long before the chances arrived, with Dele Adebola and Michael McIndoe both guilty of missing glaring chances. This was looking like being the game that highlighted a lack of a clinical finisher in the side, before Marvin Elliott finished a sweeping move in the 38th minute, with a rasping half volley from 30 yards which crashed in off the cross bar bringing the crowd into rapture.
Half time arrived and city legend Chris Garland was introduced, promoting his new book to a nice ovation which was a nice touch. Moments later Tristan Plummer, youth academy prodigy and YouTube celebrity for his ridiculous skills was also introduced. This time however the reception was frosty at best, with I am pretty sure only me applauding him - who says the YouTube generation are a throwaway culture?
Jamie McCombe, who has a metal plate in his cheek following a stray knee from Derby's Claude Davis was substituted at half time. He took a knock to the other side of his face, but luckily he has since been given the all clear. With a fully fit squad, it was a risk that Gary Johnson took by only having Cole Skuse as defensive cover on the bench. That risk was about to be tested as the centre midfielder joined Liam Fontaine at centre half.
Within two minutes of the restart Skuse was involved in a communication mix up with Fontaine and Adriano Basso, as a rudimentary long ball from Luke Chambers was allowed to bounce and Nathan Tyson, again utilising his speed ran past Skuse. It was reminiscent of a Lamborghini up against a Morris Minor, and as Skuse slipped, Tyson side footed the ball underneath Basso in the City goal to make it 2-1. Skuse, looking like a player out of position was nervous and cagey on the ball. Tyson was like a shark sniffing blood chasing him down every time. The crowd were all talking about Tyson, a City transfer target this summer and accordingly the talk turned to 'What ifs and If only's.
This season's ability, or inability has been letting in goals at home. We constantly have to chase the game from a goal or two behind. It shows character to come from behind, but we have had to do it too often this season. The football was becoming more desperate and David Noble and Stern John were sacrificed for strikers Nicky Maynard and Stern John. The direct balls returned, and in the 80th minute a McIndoe corner wasn't cleared and the ball fell to Liam Fontaine on the edge of the area. His scuffed shot went through the crowded area and squirmed past Lee Camp in the Forest goal. City had come from behind again, and this time the crowd believed we could go on and win it.
Both sides had chances to win the game in those final ten minutes, but the most obvious came right at the death. A Bradley Orr floated ball into the area was chested by Stern John, who was bundled from behind by Luke Chambers. The crowd's cries for 'Penalty!' were heard by pedantic referee Graham Horwood and he awarded the penalty.
Euphoria descended upon Ashton Gate. Michael McIndoe, who missed a penalty last week against Southampton eagerly rushed up to the ball and placed it on the penalty spot. The euphoria turned to a nervous hush. 'Should he be taking this?'
Once the Forest players finished their protests, it was set. Michael McIndoe in front of the Atyeo Stand against Lee Camp from 12 yards out. 17,440 people stood in unison. McIndoe, with his left foot, side footed the ball and it was saved by Lee Camp. Anger, bewilderment and confusion spilled from the stands. McIndoe ran to the post and kicked out as hard as he could. The final whistle blew and a draw felt like defeat.
Football eh?
Ross Verbals
