Forest Triumph in the ‘El Cloughico’

Nottingham Forest came out on top in Monday nights East Midlands rivalry against Derby County at The City Ground for the first time since 2015.

It didn’t take long for the home fans to be up off their seats as just over a minute in Joe Lolley’s free-kick was dealt with poorly by Derby youngster Jayden Bogle, heading it up into the box for Daryl Murphy and Jack Robinson to collaboratively head across the goal to find the man in the mask Yohan Beanalouane to slot it past Ashley Cole on the line.

After the perfect start for the reds, Frank Lampard’s Derby County responded well and ten minutes later Martyn Waghorn found himself through on goal after a pinpoint pass from Holmes for him only to dink the ball past Pantilimon and wide of the goal.  A huge chance squandered for the away side.

The final chance of the half came from good work down the left from Jack Robinson who found Lolley just inside the box who’s half-volley was heading well off target until it hit Forest graduate Ryan Yates sending it agonisingly wide of the goal.

The second half didn’t come with as many chances as the first, with Derby dominating possession but still struggling to find a way through an organised Forest back four, two of which being brought in during the January transfer window.

The final whistle was met with a huge roar from the home supporters. This was the reds first win against Derby in six meetings with the previous two ending in stalemate.

There was the stereotypical clash of handbags after the game between a handful of players but was soon controlled by referee Robert Jones who was praised for his management of the game by both sets of fans on social media.

Chants of “Rams are falling apart again” were heard across the ground as the Derby players left the pitch after showing their appreciation for the travelling fans.

This result has given Martin O’Neill’s side a huge hope in the play-off race now as only three points separate them from 6th place, with The Rams being two points off it with a game in hand over Forest.

This game will be remembered for the early drama but come May could it also be seen as the game which revitalised Forest’s season.