North End battled hard to take a point away from the City Ground yesterday and were perhaps unlucky not to pick up all three. Albert Adomah’s 79th-minute strike for Forest cancelled out Billy Bodin’s 40th-minute opener.
There was a hint of offside in the build up to the equaliser although the subsequent TV angle did not give a full representation of how close the potential infringement was.
The result gives Alex Neil’s side their first away point of the season, after narrow defeats to Millwall and Swansea. Below is how we rated the players following yesterday’s clash:
Declan Rudd
Had a relatively simple first half without a save to make. Was tested more in the second half, producing a good save from a Joe Lolley strike and holding a Lewis Grabban low cross, as well as dealing with a number of Forest corners.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Alan Browne
Slightly miscued pass assisted Bodin for North End’s goal. Found himself in plenty of space down the right-hand side in the first half and had no issues in dealing with the wide threat of Sammy Ameobi. Life was more difficult for North End’s number eight after Albert Adomah’s introduction, the Ghanaian beating him a couple of times, but it was another good performance from Browne.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Patrick Bauer
Another commanding performance from North End’s summer signing. Was locked in a game-long tussle with Grabban and had the better of the aerial battle. Distribution good again and was no-nonsense when the ball needed to be cleared.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Ben Davies
Combined well with Bauer again and had the better of Grabban throughout. His distribution seems to get better and better with every game and he barely wasted a pass all match. As his game develops you sense he could be a real option for a defensive midfield role if needed.
Rating – 8
Embed from Getty Images
Joe Rafferty
Another impressive game for North End’s stand-in left-back. Had his hands full in the first half with Ameobi and Lolley interchanging but stood up to both of them well. A couple of good blocks in the second half as Carl Jenkinson joined the Forest attack down his side, whilst looking a threat down the other end, with his cross almost finding the head of Billy Bodin in the first half.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Ben Pearson
So often is the case where we discuss a Ben Pearson yellow card after a game, but PNE’s number four found himself on the receiving end of several poor challenges from Forest players today. An effective shield in front of the back four as always and alongside Gallagher helped North End’s play tick along as they dominated the first hour.
Rating – 8
Embed from Getty Images
Paul Gallagher
Had an excellent first half, spraying pinpoint passes to both flanks. Dictated the tempo in the first half and Forest’s failure to close down suited him down to the ground. Picked up a knock early on in the second half and was forced off – Alex Neil will be hoping it isn’t a serious one.
Rating – 8
Embed from Getty Images
Brad Potts
Didn’t quite have the influence as his fellow forwards but put in a real shift and dealt with Ameobi early doors. Supported Browne well in the second half and this was perhaps his most accomplished performance to date defensive wise. He had a chance with a free-kick late on, with his effort beating the wall but not Forest ‘keeper Samba.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Josh Harrop
Played another 90 minutes after his return from a serious injury. He was PNE’s brightest spark in the first half in an attacking sense and had a couple of half-chances in the first half – one caught by the Forest keeper, the other over the bar. His influence waned slightly in the second period as North End needed to weather the Forest storm but still found himself in some good positions.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Daniel Johnson
Another tidy performance from the Jamaican. Passed the ball around nicely, used his strength well to hold off Forest defenders and typically worked hard off the ball as well. Didn’t work out for him in and around the 18-yard box but he’ll be pleased with the shift he put in.
Rating – 7
Embed from Getty Images
Billy Bodin
Took his goal superbly well, turning past the defender before finishing low into the corner, all with his wrong foot, too. He could easily have had a second but his effort was well saved by Samba. Up against the experienced pairing of Michael Dawson and Joe Worrall but didn’t seem at all fazed in a position he hasn’t played in for a number of years.
Rating – 8
Embed from Getty Images
Substitutes
Ryan Ledson
Brought on for Gallagher to add an extra element of defensive steel to North End’s play. Made a couple of blocks and won several balls in the air but otherwise, Ledson didn’t have a huge influence on the game.
Rating – 6
Embed from Getty Images
Jayden Stockley
Became more of a focal point for PNE’s attacks late on when he was introduced for Billy Bodin. Struggled on Wednesday night but put in a better performance here, with much more fluid movement. Gave Dawson and Worrall a hard time with good pressing but didn’t test the Forest goal with the home side continuously pushing North End back.
Rating – 6
Embed from Getty Images
Andre Green
Came on to replace a tiring Johnson but didn’t have enough time to influence the game really. Hard to give him a score out of 10 without it looking unduly harsh or over the top.
Rating – N/A
Embed from Getty Images
What did you think to yesterday’s game? Do you agree with our views on the player ratings? Let us know what you think on twitter @fromthefinney. Also, if you haven’t already, give the From the Finney podcast a listen on our web player below.