Nottingham Forest's poor run of form continued as they played out a goalless draw with Rotherham United at The New York Stadium. It was a very poor spectacle, with very few clear cut chances for either side. It was arguably Forest's worst performance of the season so far, a statement I worryingly seem to be stating every week, suggesting the performances are getting even worse.
Forest almost started the game by immediately going 1-0 down. Kelvin Wilson did a back pass towards Karl Darlow who misjudged it and took and missed the ball completely. Luckily for Forest he managed to avoid getting himself into any trouble on this occasion. Kelvin Wilson himself went down with what looked a very serious injury soon after, which was a worry to Forest fans considering how much playing time he has missed through injury in the past. Fortunately it was not as serious as first thought and Wilson was fit enough to continue playing the match. Forest struggled to get any flow in the game as Rotherham were pressing well and giving the Forest players no time on the ball whatsoever. Britt Assombalonga missed a half chance to put Forest 1-0 ahead, Michail Antonio's inviting cross was prodded wide by Assombalonga on the stretch. Ben Pringle then almost put Rotherham 1-0 up at the other end but his shot failed to trouble Karl Darlow. Assombalonga had another chance to put Forest ahead, as his header from Danny Fox's cross went wide. Rotherham then came incredibly close to going 1-0 up just before the break. Ledesma fouled Dexter Blackstock and got away with it before smashing a shot against the crossbar much to the Forest faithful's relief.
Forest started the second half brightly as Henri Lansbury headed the ball over the crossbar from yet another inviting cross from the left hand side. Forest then had the ball in the back of the net as Dexter Blackstock headed the ball over the line. However, it was controversially ruled out for a foul by Blackstock. Ben Pringle then had one of the best chances in the match to put Rotherham 1-0 up but fired well over the bar. Karl Darlow then had to be at his best to deny Ledesma from putting Rotherham infront with a good save with his legs. Then came Forest's best chance as Jamie Paterson whipped in a great cross which Britt Assombalonga just failed to connect with. This left Forest yet again disappointed with their performance and the final result.
Overall, this just wasn't good enough from a Forest side who should be performing much better. The team we have should be beating teams like Rotherham United, Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City. I don't blame Stuart Pearce for the recent poor results, I blame the players. The players need to work harder and perform to the levels which they are capable of and have shown in glimpses this season but not enough. When this team is on form it is one of the best teams in the division, but we haven't seen this enough, only at the beginning of the season and at the away game at Wolves which now seems such a long time ago. You now look at the Leeds game thinking it is a must win as I can't see Forest coming back from Middlesbrough with anything on Boxing Day, although it is the Championship. Stuart Pearce and his men have a lot of work to do if promotion is to be achieved this season.
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