Well another East Midlands Derby has come and gone and yet again proved the much used cliche 'Form goes out of the window for these games' very true indeed.
Derby sitting in second place, took on a Forest side who's form has been poor recently.
The pre match bragging off was yet again a feature on social media and banter exchanged between the two sets of supporters.
Derby had to make at least one change with Jordon Ibe being recalled by Liverpool. Jamie Ward slotted into the wide left role.
Raul Albentosa was signed too late to be included and Stephen Warnock ruled out til next week with an ankle injury.
That said it was a very strong looking line up and our visitors also put out a team full of experience. Wilson and Assombalonga passing fitness tests.
The first half was scrappy and Derby controlled the midfield. Will Hughes being the key man. He was the vital cog and was playing like a seasoned veteran pro.
Derby apllied most of the pressure, but had to rely on Lansbury heading into his own net from a corner to take the lead. The Forest defence was very wobbly at this stage and almost gifted Ward with an easy chance minutes later.
You did feel that they could get back into the game even at the halftime break. The long balls were posing a few problems for our defence.
Early in the game Jake Buxton was lucky not to guve away a penalty when dragging down Antonio.
At half time I felt pretty sure that we would need a second goal early after the restart.
After the break Hendrick replaced Hughes who must have been taken off after taking a knock. That would normally not be too concerning as Hendrick has turned in some great performances this season. It was however costly. The midfield lost all of its shape and our visitors took over.
Right from the restart there was only one team looking likely too score.
Our defence looking very shaky when Assombalonga pounced on a loose ball to equalise. I said then that Forest would go on to win the game. The writing was on the wall. Their players found a fifth gear and ours uncharacteristically folded.
The introduction of Darren Bent for Ward was a headscratcher. Bent is a central striker and this showed as he only touched the ball once after his arrival. You cant play him alongside Martin unless you are playing 442.
Johnny Russell ran his legs off but the away defence managed to deal with every cross. Bryson was below par and a shadow of the energetic box to box midfielder that has terrorised Forest in the past.
For our rivals, Ben Osborn looked quality in that second half. He had been well covered by Christie in the first fourty five minutes, but our right back was left exposed in the second half.
Last year it was a Forest fan, Patrick Bamford who shone for us. This season it was a Derby lad, Osborn who struck a cracking shot from thirty yards that finished us off.
All in all a very disappointing display. We need to move on and get on with the task in hand and thats automatic promotion.
At the moment we arent quite good enough. Perhaps the introduction of Raul Albentosa at centre half will steady the back four. Also, Stephen Warnock can play the all important holding role as it is that position that has been vital to us.
Eustace was a big miss yesterday. Mascarell simply isn't good enough there and George Thorne is four weeks away from returning.
No excuses though we were beaten by the better team.
