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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

'A cruel game' - Nottingham Forest fans left with mixed emotions after late defeat

Nottingham Forest fans were left with somewhat mixed emotions as the Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat at Swansea City.

Chris Hughton’s side had put in one of their best performances of the season but came away empty-handed after a killer blow right at the death.

Forest were the better side for much of the match and created the better chances, but paid the price for not putting them away.

Frank Clark and Paul Hart reflect on their managerial careers and time spent at Nottingham Forest

Connor Roberts’ 87th minute header proved to be the difference between the two sides.

It was a vast improvement on the Reds’ last trip to the Liberty Stadium, though, when they were thumped 5-1 in the FA Cup last month.

And many supporters felt there were positives to take despite seeing a four-match unbeaten run come to an end.

Here’s a look at what fans have been saying on social media after the game.

Forest more than matched their opponents and were unlucky not to take the lead with the last kick of the opening period when Anthony Knockaert hit the bar.

Knockaert was at the centre of Forest's best work as he took the game to the Swansea defence with some tantalising deliveries.

James Garner also made a positive impact again, and he got the Reds going with a driving run in the 13th minute before his pass was a little overhit for Lewis Grabban.

The Manchester United midfielder was clattered by Jake Bidwell soon after, with the Reds’ bench demanding action other than the free-kick which was eventually given by referee Geoff Eltringham.

Forest came close after 28 minutes when the recalled Yuri Ribeiro cut through the Swansea midfield and found Garner. The ball was worked for Knockaert, who whipped a panic-causing cross in the Swansea ranks.

It was scrambled away by keeper Freddie Woodman, but was certainly a warning sign. Forest were on top as the half finished, with Knockaert combining with Cyrus Christie in stoppage time before the French winger bent the ball onto the top of the bar.

Swansea's threat had been limited, although it remained clear the promotion chasers are a good side.

A loose touch from Christie gave them their best opening after 40 minutes, but Garner was on hand to clear behind.

Forest started the second half well and were just lacking a goal. Within two minutes, Knockaert had headed Riberio's cross just wide.

Joe Lolley then tested Woodman from 30 yards with an early drive after good work from Filip Krovinovic.

Forest's third chance in the opening 11 minutes of the half saw Grabban drag a shot across the face, with Lolley perhaps wishing he had pressed further into the box to slide the ball in.

Forest's best chance came when Cafu, Grabban and Krovinovic broke three on one but the move broke down when Grabban's pass was blocked.

Garner almost put Forest ahead after 84 minutes when he bent the ball just wide from 20 yards as it looked to finish 0-0.

Swansea showed their promotion credentials though when Roberts powered in Bidwell's cross after 87 minutes, leaving Brice Samba no chance.

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