REDS V SWANS
MATCH REPORT AND REACTION:
NOTTINGHAM Forest could count themselves desperately unlucky to lose to a late Swansea City goal at the Liberty Stadium last night.
The Reds were the better side for much of the match but were beaten by Connor Roberts’ 87th-minute header.
Forest more than matched their opponents and were unlucky not to take the lead with the last kick of the opening period when Anthony Knockaert hit the bar.
Knockaert was at the centre of Forest’s best work as he took the game to the Swansea defence with some tantalising deliveries.
James Garner also made a positive impact again and he got the Reds going with a driving run in the 13th minute before his pass was a little overhit for Lewis Grabban.
The Manchester United midfielder, on loan with the Reds, was clattered by Jake Bidwell soon after, with Forest’s bench demanding action other than the free-kick which was eventually given by referee Geoff Eltringham.
Forest went close after 28 minutes when the recalled Yuri Ribeiro cut through the Swansea midfield and found Garner. The ball was worked out to Knockaert, who whipped in a wicked cross to cause panic in the Swansea ranks.
It was scrambled away by keeper Freddie Woodman but was certainly a warning sign.
Forest were on top as the half finished, with Knockaert combining with Cyrus Christie in stoppage time before the French winger bent the ball onto the top of the bar.
Swansea’s threat had been limited, although it remained clear the promotion chasers are a good side.
A loose touch from Christie gave them their best opening after 40 minutes but Garner was on hand to clear.
Forest started the second half well and were just lacking a goal. Within two minutes, Knockaert had headed Riberio’s cross just wide.
Lolley then tested Woodman from 30 yards with an early drive after good work from Filip Krovinovic.
Forest’s third chance in the opening 11 minutes of the second half saw Grabban drag a shot across the face of goal, with Lolley perhaps wishing he had pressed further into the box to slide the ball in.
The best best chance for the Reds came when Cafu, Grabban and Krovinovic broke three on one but the move ended when Grabban’s pass was blocked.
Garner almost put Forest ahead after 84 minutes when he bent the ball just wide from 20 yards as the game looked as though it would finish 0-0.
However, Swansea showed their promotion credentials when Roberts powered in Jake Bidwell’s cross after 87 minutes, giving Reds keeper Brice Samba no chance.