Before arriving at the CG I had another stop to make. Recent attempts to secure enough money to put in place a proper headstone to a former Forest favourite had succeeded and a small ceremony was held at Wilford Hill Cemetery to celebrate this achievement. I drive past the cemetery on my way to matches, so decided to leave home a bit early and search out the new memorial.Tinsley Lindley was Forest's youngest ever player, turning out on 17 February 1882 when aged 16 and scoring a hat-trick in his first game. He once scored 85 goals in one season and here we are these days trying to find a 20 goal a season striker!
I had no idea where the memorial was in the grounds, but after studying photos of the players at the unveiling I ascertained the approximate location. I found it with no trouble. After taking a few photographs I found I had some time in hand and I went to look at a few headstones which intrigued me. They are set up in a quiet area in one corner near to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission graves to servicemen killed in, mainly, WWII. This area is, as always with the CWGC, is beautifully maintained and tastefully laid out. The graves in question are laid out in a row and all bear the same date, 9 May 1941. I discovered that there had been a large bombing raid on Nottingham (and Derby) on that date and the graves record some of the 159 victims of the raid.
Back to the football. The visitors were Birmingham City, themselves going through a poor run of form, though their away form remained quite sound. They had won their last two away games, but not recorded a win at St Andrews since 1 October to remain precariously close to falling into the relegation places. In their favour is the fact they have not lost at the CG since December 1999.
The game in Birmingham ended 0-0, but was not without it's moments. Midway through the second half the ball was put into the Blues net by Henri Lansbury, but in doing so he had to head it out of goalkeeper Randolph's hand as the 'keeper held the ball up to clear it. Goal disallowed. Then Darius Henderson was dismissed for a foul on Birmingham's captain, Robinson, but the reason for the dismissal was not immediately apparent to me. The tackle looked hard, but fair. The ref took his time to reach a decision and took the advice of his linesman before sending Henderson off. This was about 10 minutes before the end of the game, but Forest held on for the 0-0.
There were four changes made to the side that lost at QPR. Out went Wilson, Lansbury, Jara and Cox and in came Vaughan, Osborn, Collins and Paterson. Lansbury looked decidedly out of kilter at Loftus Road and I wouldn't be surprised if he failed to reappear again this season. The same goes for Wilson. Backs can be funny things (I know, I've had a back problem for over 50 years. The Doc said, when it first happened, "Ah, this is something that will either get better or get worse!" It hasn't got better) and I think the medical team have decided that the long term injury people can write this season off, strengthen and get fit during the summer ready for next season. Thus Cohen, Reid, Wilson, Lansbury, Hobbs and Lichaj will fill the physio's room instead of the CG until August. Looking at that list, it's no surprise that our season has folded quite so badly, half of the first eleven out long-term. If you add the short-term injuries that crop up in every squad, we have had a devastating run of bad luck. I include in that a manager who went slightly more bonkers as the season progressed until he seemed to be having difficulty talking sensibly to himself, let alone others around him.
Birmingham seemed to realise that our sad winless run was undermining the confidence of our players and very kindly gave us a 1 goal lead. Actually, it was a fine through ball from Paterson that sent Derbyshire away through a square Blues defence and he coolly converted the one-on-one after less than two minutes play. After that, Forest played out the first half looking in command of the game, but failing to add to the score. After the season we have had, that fact alone made me nervous because we have almost never played two good halves consecutively this season and we have contrived to give away a one goal advantage far too often.
The second half was much more even. Forest started well, but faded as the half wore on and Birmingham had several very good chances towards full time, with Darlow making one outstanding save at the back post from Robinson following a corner. However, Forest saw out the game and came away with their first win since Huddersfield away on 11 February and the first win at the CG since Yeovil on Feb 2!! Young Ben Osborn was named MOTM, probably more for his determined and athletic display than his footballing excellence. Though he has come on in leaps and bounds since his debut at Ipswich showing a maturity way beyond his years.
It was a lovely evening and I drove home in good spirits, hopeful that all was not lost, we might still pull the rabbit out of the hat.
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