Wolves outplayed by resilient Forest

Wolves 0 v Nottingham Forest 2

With Derby and Bristol City cancelling one another out in last night’s 0-0 draw today’s game v Nottingham Forest offered Wolves the opportunity to extend their lead even further at the top of the Championship. But it was not to be as Nottingham Forest, under new manager Aitor Karanka, played the better football against a Wolves side that were far from their best. Indeed for all their possession the home side failed to trouble Matt Smith in the Forest goal and whilst every side is allowed the odd poor game, for some time now Wolves have been playing scratchy football and this was scratchy plus.

The match itself was decided in a five minute spell short of half time. In the 40th minute Forest earned themselves a corner on the left wing. It was not the most testing of deliveries and when Ryan Bennett headed clear, it looked like the danger had passed. But from beyond the d Kieran Dowell returned the ball and on its goalward trajectory it was deflected passed a stranded John Ruddy. It was a soft concession. Then three minutes later Matthew Cash pulled the ball back from the right where it was collected by Ben Osborn. In the blink of an eye the Forest midfielder had turned and fired into the roof of the Wolves net. It was a fine goal and more than the visitors deserved.

At half time Coach Nuno replaced Barry Douglas and Matt Doherty with Morgan Gibbs White and Helda Costa. But rather than bring about a marked change in affairs it simply served to overcomplicate matters. Furthermore the Forest defence remained resolute blocking virtually every attempted cross such that chances were there none. And as the clock ticked towards its end point a prolonged spell of Forest keep ball added insult to injury. There is more to this side than a hard to break down defensive unit.

The defeat ends Wolves thirteen match unbeaten run. One hopes it is just a blip.

Wolves: Ruddy 6, Elliott 6, Coady 6, Boly 6, Doherty 5 Sub Gibbs White 6, Douglas 6 Sub Costa 4, Neves 6 Sub Mia, Saiss 5, Cavaleiro 6, Jota 6, Bonatini 6

Nottingham Forest: Smith 6, Lichaj 6, Worrall 7, Mancienne 7, Fox 7, Bouchalis 6, Cash 7, Bridcut 6 Sub Clough, Osborn 8, Dowell 7 Sub Darikwa, Brereton 7

Attendance: 29,050

Referee: Robert Madeley 8

©Mark Brennand