Dawson’s creak is a myth as Forest fire
MICHAEL DAWSON made a triumphant return to his former club, helping Nottingham Forest stay in touching distance of the play-off places.
Forest captain Dawson was making his first visit to Hull, who he also skippered, since being offloaded in the summer – and bagged another clean sheet.
To rub salt into the Tigers’ wounds, Dawson’s replacement – Jordy de Wijs – produced another dismal display for Hull.
With the visiting defence staying solid, Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley scored in quick succession midway through the second half.
De Wijs gifted Grabban the first goal – while Dawson’s Forest walked away with their fifth clean sheet in seven league games.
Hull boss Nigel Adkins said: “The first goal was a shocking one from an individual mistake.
“Forest are on a roll but we have gifted them the three points.”
Grabban gave the Tigers their next scare when he eased beyond De Wijs and fired wide.
Hull started improving and thought they should have had a 33rd-minute penalty when Fraizer Campbell was bundled down in a melee.
Forest broke through just after the hour mark, as Grabban pounced during a scramble.
De Wijs’s clearance during that passage of play had been embarrassing, falling for Grabban to take advantage.
The in-form striker is not a player to hand chances to as he has now scored 11 in his last 13 games.
Hull imploded again just two minutes later as Lolley’s shot deflected in off De Wijs.
Dawson saluted the home fans as he walked off the pitch – and many must wish they had his experience at the back still.
Discussing Dawson, Forest boss Aitor Karanka said: “When I signed him, people thought I wanted him to help us in the changing room – but I knew he would also help us a lot on the pitch.
“He showed that he not only ‘was’ a very good player but still ‘is’ a very good player.”