Disappointment and frustration were in abundance amongst the Forest faithful following a 2-1defeat at the hands of Burnley.
After an opening 25 minutes in which the Reds were stroking the ball around the superb City Ground pitch with considerable style and aplomb the bubble was well and truly burst by an awesome long range free kick from veteran Graham Alexander.
It hardly seemed just given the dominance Calderwood's boys enjoyed in that period but they were unable to turn much of that impressive possesion into chances and Nathan Tyson had blazed over the best opening. If anything the players were coming up with the type of pay suitable for a 3-0 lead rather than 0-0 early on and perhaps lost sight of the task in hand.
After the break Forest came out re-invigorated and got a deserved equaliser through fox-in-the-box Earnshaw from close range. The goal came at a point in the game when Burnley's play descended into what at times was a cynical, physical game to nullify the nimble Earnshaw and in particular Tyson.
The referee seemed to wait too long to reach for his pocket and allowed the ploy to continue to an unsuitable extent.
The evergreen Robbie Blake added guile to an otherwise solid but workmanlike side. An unfortunate handball and penalty decision ensued and after Alexander had doubled his tally Calderwood threw all his firepower on, only for the game to become too scrappy and disorganised and Forest's threat quickly petered out - giving the Clarets a three points they didn't in truth deserve.
Burnley were certainly there for the taking but their performance highlighted some of the flaws in Calderwood's side. Their strength, organisation and experience from the likes of Alexander and Caldwell gave them the mental toughness that Forest lacked when everything went wrong at Wolves.
Tyson and Martin's constant interchanging meanwhile created confusion and a lack of shape up front. The side looked much more potent against Wolves with a 'set' forward line that ad Martin on the left (where he can come inside for his favourite curlng shots) and McCleary on the right, who as at times nervy but stuck to his guns and will improve.
Having said that Tuesday's line up must feature Cole. His experience and know-how will be vital away from home and the ball should stick with him better than the scattergun Tyson and poaching supremo Earnshaw. The tests for CC come thick and fast and the lack of result here simply creates another conundrum to be cracked with 3 of the next 4 games away from home.
Player ratings -
Smith - 7
Not at fault for a brilliant free kick or penalty that wrong footed him.
Chambers - 6
After much criticism over the last 2 weeks started well but as the game wore on he looked less and less assured and his lack of strength and poor use of the ball are a worry.
Heath - 6
Nervy at times but came through the game largely unscathed. Crossing looked Ok but unfair to expect him to attack ala Bennett straight away.
Morgan - 6
I don't understand the level of criticism he faces. Some slack touches let him down slightly but dealt well with a largely quiet attack, especially ineffectual debutant Thompson.
Wilson - 6
While Wes' one or two off-colour touches let him down so too did the occasional 'lazy' ball from Kelvin. Is, however, a calming influence and gives a better balance to the back line than Breckin.
Moussi - 6
Some over elaborate touches created problems and as the sides superiority waned so too did his influence.
Perch - 7
Some excellent covering tackles showed his worth in the defensive midfield position. Like Moussi was less of an influence after Burnley scored.
Cohen - 8
I never really 'get' Chris. Is he a box-to-box midfielder? An attacking midfielder? A cultured playmaker? Jack of all trades, master of none?? In this game however I thought he was awesome. Drove forward well, tackled back tirelessley and sparked off Martin and Earnshaw for some high tempo attacking play in the early stages. If he keeps this up even I'll stop moaning about him!
Tyson - 6
Was undoubtedly 'roughed up' a bit by Burnley to nullify his pacy threat. Never comfortable on the right and ran out of ideas towards the end.
Earnshaw - 7
Was in the right place at the right time for the goal which is exactly why the chequebook was called into action for his services. Tried to be inventive with some neat turns etc but needs better service at times.
Martin - 6
Faded after the first half an hour and constant switching of flanks inerrupted his flow.
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