Nottm Forest v Scunthorpe United

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

English League Cup

Nottm Forest :
Gerrard, Louis-Jean, Hjelde, Morgan, Rogers, Impey, Jess (Commons 68), Evans, King, Taylor, Johnson
Subs not used:
Roche, Westcarr, Doig, Gardner

Scunthorpe United :
Musselwhite, Stanton, Crosby, Butler, Ridley, Beagrie, Kell, Baraclough, Taylor (Sparrow 85), Hayes, Bailey (Parton 45)
Subs not used:
Byrne, Williams, Evans

SULSESC REPORT

by Neil Wright at City Ground

IN the middle of what is proving to be an unbelievable start to the season, we found ourselves paired against Nottingham Forest in the first round of the Milk, Littlewoods, Coca Cola, Carling/whatever cup.

After last year's successes, I will be more than happy if we go no further.

With a small contingent from the London branch, we settled into our seats hoping that the next 90 minutes passed quickly and that we got through with no injuries - and hopefully lost.

And can I just say at this point that in all my years following Scunthorpe, I have never been kicked out of a pub before. Until now! Just ask Karen all about that.

With regards to the game, there's not really a lot to say - Forest had plenty of the play but thanks to a resilient back four, their chances were kept to a minimum.

They were, though, gifted two goals thanks to a couple of defensive errors. The first came on 36 minutes when Musselwhite made a hash of a David Johnson cross and gifted the ball into the path of GarethTaylor who, from point blank range, nestled the ball into the back of the net.

The second came on 79 minutes when Andy Crosby made a poor headed back pass and Johnson nipped in to place the ball past Musselwhite. His effort rebounded off the bar to Marlon King, who fired home.

United's only real chance fell to Paul Hayes in second–half injury time when he came within a whisker of scoring, his close range header coming back off the bar.

It was pleasing to see both Cleveland Taylor and Peter Beagrie causing havoc on their individual wings.

Don't get me wrong, we had our chances, but it was Forest who came out on top overall.

It was clear to see why Forest had only managed four draws in their league campaign so far, we were by no means outclassed and in the end the result flattered Forest somewhat.

So it's onwards and upwards in the league campaign, here's to automatic promotion!