McKay and Lichaj sink Brewers...
MARK Warburton complimented his side’s “slicker, quicker and dangerous” second-half display as Nottingham Forest recorded a much-needed win over struggling Burton Albion.
Second-half goals from Barrie McKay and Eric Lichaj sealed Forest’s second win in six league matches and released the pressure valve at the City Ground.
“Sometimes we can be guilty of overplaying a bit but we just have to play quicker because that’s what the crowd responds to,” said Warburton.
“We were laboured and slow in the first half but I’m pleased for the players because they were so much better after that. We were quicker, more slick and dangerous. There was a better tempo and that is what you need when you come up against tough sides to break down like Burton.
“We seem to have found the solution at the back because that’s now seven or eight games without conceding from a setpiece and that is of course pleasing. We’ve been putting in some good performances and not getting the results so we are pleased to get an important three points.”
Both sides failed miserably to threaten before the Brewers almost broke the deadlock on 29 minutes. A sweeping move fell to Lloyd Dyer in the box and his first-time strike was superbly cleared off the line by Forest right-back Lichaj.
At this stage, the half-chances were dropping to the visitors and Jake Buxton volleyed inches wide of the near post from a Jamie Allen free-kick in the 39th minute.
It was so dire from Forest in the first half that their first shot on target, a long-range David Vaughan effort on the stroke of half-time, was greeted by loud chants of “We’ve had a shot” from the home supporters.
But the Reds were much improved after the break and finally went close on 52 minutes when Liam Bridcutt’s curling 25yard strike was palmed away by Stephen Bywater.
The hosts took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to a Bywater blunder. The former Derby County goalkeeper spilled a centre from Lichaj and McKay finished well.
Forest sealed the victory in style on 78 minutes. A neat move culminated in McKay cutely playing in the impressive Lichaj and the USA international calmly slotted the ball home
Dyer almost pulled a goal back for Nigel Clough’s men late on but the veteran winger dragged his effort wide of the far post.
The defeat means Burton are now winless in five matches, without scoring a goal. They have scored just six times all season, and Clough admitted: “It’s another frustrating trip on the road. Our best chance was the first half. We had three great chances and we have to take them if we want to start getting some points. Towards the end of the first half the home crowd were frustrated and we could have capitalised on that.
“Football matches are won and lost in the penalty areas. Forest have taken their chances and we have not taken our chances.
“It’s concerning losing games and not scoring but it won’t continue. We are creating enough good opportunitiies and it is just a matter of time before we score a goal and get moving again. We have to keep working.”