Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Walsall
The monthly foundation draw in February saw the first winner of our club photographer for a day here at the City ground. The lucky recipient was Lee Adams from Birmingham. He enjoyed a day pitch side with our official Club photographer and was invited into the after match press conference with our Manager Colin Calderwood. Below is his match report. Find out more about the Forest Foundation here.
Have a look at a selection of Lee's photographs here.
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Forest started the game brightly ; buoyed on by the fact that a win was needed to not only convince the fans of their ability of late; but also to damage Walsall's own promotion hopes themselves ; as well as finally ending the Walsall curse.
The early opening exchanges saw forest create a few early scares for the visiting defence. After only 3 minutes , the impressive Clayton Ince had to race to the edge of his area to block a shot from youngster Matt Thornhill.
Moments after that he made a more impressive save from Thornhill - this time diving full stretch to tip his shot round the post. Manager Colin Calderwood describing the save as " the save of the season" .
The Walsall curse was creeping back in amongst the home faithful when Ince saved yet again; this time from Ormerod who impressively created a chance for himself in the box. This time Ince deflecting the shot agonisingly wide.
Forest kept plugging away and where controlling the midfield with Mcgugan and Clingan pulling the strings finely in the middle of the park. However; the goal just would not come.
Just before half time Forest came closer when for once Ince was beaten by a powerful drive from Tyson on his weaker right foot from just inside the area ; after he had easily skinned full back Paul Boertien; which crashed off the bar and away to safety.
Up to this point Walsall hadn't done too much, but could have taken what would have been an undeserved lead when Edrissa Sonko found himself free in the area forcing Smith to make a brave save; before full back Rhys Weston fired the rebounding shot straight across the face of goal where no Walsall player could get on the end of it.
The second half started much as it did the first with Forest determined to get an early goal, and this is just what they got. A classic three man move involving Clingan , Tyson and ormerod saw Ormerod finishing from close range after Tyson's frightening pace finally paid off; with a good ball from across the area after he had beaten his marker again.
It could and should have been a case of de ja vue ; its number 2; as the move was repeated moments later. However; this time Ormerod failed to score , with Calderwood admitting afterwards that Ormerod admitting he was disappointed not to put the "sitter" away.
But this is Walsall, and we all know what Walsall can do against forest (as it has been proved in the last 11 meetings between these sides; with Walsall unbeaten in those 11 games)
Just 5 minutes later, Walsall were level; with what can only be described as a soft goal. Sonko found space again on the right to cross to the back post where Mooney rose well to head home - although it did appear to strike Wilson before finding the net.
Walsall Manager; and former forest back-room staff member Richard Money was adamant after the game however about whose goal it was : " it was definitely Tommy's goal, 100 per cent"
This goal seemed to transform Walsall and encouraged the Walsall support even more; who were in fine vocal spirit throughout the game - possibly due to some comments midweek from their manager about their home support.
Walsall finished the stronger side with a header being well cleared off the line by Clingan from mark Bradley; whilst another more couple of efforts grazed the forest goal frame with Paul Smith beaten.
The game also saw an audacious lobbed effort from Sonko go just over the forest crossbar.
So it was a share of the spoils for Forest and Walsall. A game which forest can look back on in disappointment; although satisfaction that they were not beaten.
As for the Walsall curse; it is still alive - with the feeling amongst forest fans that with the play offs looking more likely than automatic promotion; than they may have to get rid of the curse quickly if they are to see their beloved reds escape from League One.
