Forest Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 17/09/2001

DR FISHY has compiled match statistics and a report card for the Grimsby Town side that drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Coyne: His save in the first half was very much Banks-esque but it wasn't on such a massive stage. Saved at the feet of Lester about three times, on each occasion Jack flew up into the air. Good, solid, all-round performance from the Welshman once more.

Grade: B+

McDermott: In the first half he had many battles with Lester down the right. Won the ball off him several times too. Had a stormer of a second half and his interplay with Jeffrey, Butterfield and Burnett was class. What was he doing with the back-pass though? He had a great shooting chance but fluffed it.

Grade: B-

Gallimore: A rather competent game for the left back. Kept his line well, followed Lester wherever he went but again seemed to let the opposition's right winger receive the ball. that was, until Menno went straight through him.

Grade: C

Groves: Mr Dependable put in another solid performance at the back but again struggled just a little in the air. Despite being 35 and just short of 6 foot he's made a great centre-back and not let any of the opposition's attackers get the better of him. Not sure about his positioning on some occasions.

Grade: C+

Beharall: The Geordie had another great game and made some timely interceptions. There were some impeccable tackles and clearing headers and kept Lester on a lead for most of the game, except on the occasions Jack wandered wide. Lawrence should sign him up if he knows what's good for the club after his loan spell.

Grade: B-

Pouton: He still needs to learn to pass the ball, and should clear it from defence when he gets the chance, instead of trying to beat a player near his own corner flag. Again he brought the ball forward well but his final pass or shot needs to improve before he becomes the 'complete' midfielder. More effective on the left in my opinion.

Grade: C+

Campbell: According to some sources, Stu was playing despite suffering from food poisoning! A very lethargic performance on the left, although I saw no point of him continuing in the second half because he was taken off within a couple of minutes of the re-start.

Grade: C-

Willems: Both free kicks from good positions were rather tame by his standards and didn't get stuck in like he did at Coventry. That's the trouble with playing so well. The next game fans expect something big and when they don't get it they are disappointed.

Grade: C

Butterfield: Danny's shins were the only part of him that denied Town from taking the lead. Pouton's shot clipped them and as a result the ball flew away from the goal. Saw his goal-bound effort brilliantly saved by Ward, and he was also more impressive on the wing.

Grade: C+

Rowan: The miss from six yards will surely play on his mind for some time. And we all thought Livvo's miss against Bolton at home last year was bad! But give the youngster credit, he found the position and beat the defence to the ball and showed good anticipation to at least create the chance.

Grade: C

Jevons: Limped off "feeling his groin" as the Sports Telegraph reported. Maybe he should do that in his own time. Played well before coming off but like the rest of the team, his performance (which was in the first half) was less than impressive despite one or two sprightly runs forward.

Grade: C-

Subs

Jeffrey: His good form continued with another assured display up front. The wind, which held up the ball in the second half, came to Jeffrey's aid and he was able to beat the giant Olav Hjelde in the air on some occasions.

Grade: C+

Burnett: The midfielder helped turn around a disappointing game in the second half. He linked up well with nearly all the Town players and was at the heart of many moves going forward. He will surely be seeking to play 90 minutes in the near future.

Grade: C+

Allen: Wasn't on for long and didn't have time to show any of his skills. No late goal from Bradley this time but he's not far off getting a start.

Best part of Town's performance: The link-up play down the right in the second half. On more than one occasion Forest were taken apart as they failed to read the balls played forward. McDermott gave them no end of trouble with his clever runs off the ball.

Areas for improvement: Town let the Forest midfield dominate in the first half. Butterfield and Willems sat way too deep and invited Forest forward. I was just a little concerning how we weren't getting the tackle in midfield.

Entertainment scale: If you're a Town fan the first half was quite pathetic. The second half was a lot more even, but if you paid on the day to get in, the two saves that were witnessed were worth the money alone. There are some top Welsh keepers around these days! 7

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