LAMOUCHI TAKES PRIDE IN A POINT
JUst a few weeks ago Forest boss sabri Lamouchi issued a heartfelt apology to the fans after a 4-0 home drubbing by sheffield Wednesday.
Last night, from the heady heights of fourth place in the Championship, the coach was singing the praises of his players after banking one hard-won point.
‘it was a big point, against a good team and i am proud of the players,’ Lamouchi said after seeing Lewis Grabban’s 16th goal of the season cancelled out within minutes by sam Baldock.
‘this was not about the result. We were creative, we controlled the game and it was a good atmosphere, a good performance.’
the problem with games in hand is that supporters tend to assume the three points are in the bag before a ball is kicked. reality tends to be a little bit different. After all, it is a catch-up for the other side too. reading were in disarray when Mark Bowen took over and they too have emerged from adversity.
‘ We showed character and resilience,’ was Bowen’s verdict. ‘ it’s funny but even after they scored i thought we would score. the players shrugged it off.’
A cat-and-mouse contest burst into life in the last 10 minutes when Grabban tapped in after a mis-hit from sammy Ameobi.
the lead lasted just four minutes. Baldock battled with Michael Dawson, found enough space to shoot low and goalkeeper Brice samba got a hand to it but could not stop the ball going in off the bar.
Quite honestly, this was a match which had stalemate written all over it. Joe Lolley had a couple of half chances, as did Jordan Obita, but neither goalkeeper was tested severely.
there was one unexpected absence. reading’s Yakou Meite suffered a family bereavement and was on compassionate leave.