Forest left gutted by heavy loss

Nottingham Forest will look to bounce back from a dismal Boxing Day defeat when they host Sunderland in the Championship on Saturday.

Forest boss Mark Warburton had seen his side win five of their previous six games at the City Ground, but there were few positives to be taken after seeing them spurn a host of chances in front of goal in a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

“The first goal, we might have cleared our lines better, but it was a wonder strike,” said Warburton, who also felt the penalty awarded against Tyler Walker for a push was harsh.

“We created lots of chances, including three clear one-on-ones, as well as numerous balls across the face of goal.

“The simple thing is putting the ball in the back of the net. For all the chances you create, you have to get your rewards for them. We did not do that.

“The decision for the penalty – I am totally bemused by. I cannot see it.

“We found ourselves 2-0 down at half-time and the crowd, quite rightly, got restless as a result. It was a huge crowd and we let them down.

“We disappointed them in the second half, because we never showed the quality to get something from the game. But to create that many chances and not score is a tough one to take.”

Adam Reach’s long-range opener set up the managerless Owls, under caretaker boss Lee Bullen, with Jordan Rhodes (penalty) and Lucas Joao, with a fine solo strike, ensuring victory.