On a dry, cloudy day the pre-match ritual was based in the Vat & Fiddle, serving some splendid ales from the pub's brewery next door. Walking to the ground, the massive throngs going over the river reminded us how football used to be. The crowd was the biggest we've been in since Cardiff '03, I think. We took our places near the north-east corner flag, in the away (Bridgford) end by the Brian Clough Stand. Being only 3-4 rows back makes it difficult to gain an overall view of the game. As the day wore on, hot sunshine dazzled us. Why do I always forget to bring a baseball cap?
In the away blue strip, Cherries kicked off towards the Trent End, with wing-backs & Cooke in the hole. Forest made all the early running, but through passes were intercepted or Stewart was alert. Commons had a quandary – pass or shoot? He never resolved the dichotomy & shot wide, tamely.
Our responses were ineffectual, but Forest passing was poor. Commons & Browning tangled; Browning had to limp off before returning. A lack of cohesion by both sides saw no corner until the 18th minute - to Forest, but cleared easily. Cooke shepherded the ball well for Stewart, then stabbed a half-chance wide. Foley made space, but his long shot was also wide. Several free-kicks went our way, until Stewart tipped round magnificently from the Forest 7.
Terrace banter was exemplified by home fans singing “You only came ‘cos we're Forest”, countered by “You're not famous any more”.
The ref., Mr. Lee – his first game at this level, up from the Conference (or so I understand) – was on the ball, but perhaps gave too many free kicks. However, one tackle saw O'Connor replaced by Hart on 28, so we lost some aggression on the left. But Broadhurst was solid, & clean in the tackle, with one superb example at right-back.
Then the move of the game: well over 15 passes ended with Purches putting in Hayter who turned & shot over the far angle with his left foot. However, Fletcher was ineffectual.
Commons shot wide again, then Stewart finger-tipped a shot from Tyson to allow a clearance upfield.
HT 0-0 with great cheers from us & some jeers from the home fans.
Soon after the restart, we gained a dodgy free on our left. Cooke chipped in, Fletcher seemed to stoop, it glanced off his head, the Forest defenders were so astonished one of his headers was on target that they looked in amazement & stupefaction as it dropped inside the far post. 48 minutes, 0-1!!! Our first-ever goal here! And in front of the wildly-acclaiming away fans!
Inevitable massive pressure from the home team, but Cherries held them at bay until Browning's misplaced pass (his only serious mistake in an otherwise strong performance in the holding role) allowed the move that saw Cooper clear off the line but ended with Tyson planting it at the back stick. 56 minutes, 1-1.
The home fans' noise was now very impressive. From then on it was mainly Forest – but not as intense as in the period leading to the equaliser. However, Stewart tipped over from a point-blank hooked shot, & a home goal was disallowed for offside. Rix replaced Cooke on 72 & proceeded to put himself about a bit – but his passing was mercurial. Hart bottled one tackle, then should've delivered a cross but instead tried to beat his man & lost the ball.
However, after that he was pretty solid. Griffiths looked confident, as most Ockers are. Another goal-line clearance followed, & Stewart grabbed the corner. Desperate last-ditch tackles all over the field; Fletcher even closed down the Forest right-back with his only other significant contribution. Tindall replaced Foley in injury time; waves of relief & approbation greeted our heroes at the final whistle.
A magnificent rearguard performance. But, having said that, I'm concerned that we had to focus, & be totally committed, for 90 minutes just for a 1-1 against a strong but moderate side lacking creativity & quality. We sat too deep – but perhaps O'Driscoll would say the result justified the tactics. No midfielder breaks beyond the forwards, now Hayter is an out-&-out striker. Cooper could fill that role. Fletcher has little left now; Tindall is not the defender or midfielder he might've been so either stick him up front or let him go. Hart is inconsistent – possibly in due course a centre-half when he learns when to tackle & release, but with Gowling & Howe to return is there a place for him at Dean Court? Purches can take Browning's holding role, & also break forward. Will Cummings return? Cooke is talented - & good here - but lightweight. O'Connor has good aggression. Rix has serious hair problems that hide an ability seemingly more packaging than content. Griffiths looked composed; I'm a little surprised Watford were eager to let him go. Broadhurst looked good; I hope he stays. Foley's strong & pacey but I'd prefer him to stay wide left more. Without 3 new decent players through the spine of the team we'll muddle along next season (as this season) at best.
Hayter was always probing & trying to anticipate; Broadhurst was massively assured, clean & strong in the tackle; but it goes to Stewart for a solid overall performance & 3 top-drawer saves, at least one of which was probably world-class. AFCB: Stewart, O'Connor, Cooper, Griffiths, Broadhurst, Cooke, Browning, Purches, Foley, Hayter, Fletcher
Subs: Hart (on for O'Connor, 28), Rix (for Cooke, 72), Tindall (for Foley, 92), Rodrigues, Pitman
Peter Wicks, Greenford