JORDAN: WE CAN BE MAGIC
Keeper says Forest are looking to go up now & not fearing the drop
WHISPER it quietly, but there is a revolution going on at the City Ground.
Mark Warburton’s Forest look nothing like the side who avoided relegation last season by the skin of their teeth. This victory over promotion-favourites Boro was their third in four games and puts them in fourth place.
Having survived on goal difference alone and seen top striker Britt Assombalonga join the visitors, another season of struggle looked on the cards. But keeper Jordan Smith believes Forest are no longer looking over their shoulders and this win proves that.
He said: “We never thought we should have been where we were last season, but the gaffer has come in and completely changed it. We are not even looking at that side of the coin – we are looking to be up there.
“Everyone has bought into that and why not? It’s exciting to think after the first few games we are up there already.
“Winning a game against a side like Middlesbrough is a massive morale boost.
“We are high on confidence anyway because of the start we have had, but we played a team tipped to be towards the top and got three points. It has to be the belief that if we can beat a team like Middlesbrough there’s no need to fear anyone.
“That will be the belief going into every game.
“We are improving game-by-game and are reaping the rewards.”
Forest went ahead on 16 minutes when new signing Barrie McKay showed great composure in front of goal after a lovely turn and pass from Kieran Dowell. Boro were better after the break, but Assombalonga missed two glorious chances on his return before Daryl Murphy (left) doubled Forest’s lead from the spot. Ben Gibson stabbed home from a corner seven minutes from time, but the hosts held on despite late pressure. Defeat means Boro have now gone a year since their last away win, and defender George Friend said: “We started poorly, which we have done before this season, but I don’t think the result reflects the game.
“It’s disappointing to dominate the second half and come away with nothing.”