Sammy Ameobi ensured Nottingham Forest finished with a point as they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Swansea City.
Although they couldn’t quite get the victory which would have guaranteed them a play-off place, the fifth-placed Reds go into the final two games with a five-point cushion over Millwall, in seventh.
They fell behind to Rhian Brewster’s early strike at the City Ground, and though Ameobi netted a fine individual effort in response, Andre Ayew’s penalty put the visitors ahead at the break.
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Another cracking effort from Ameobi put Forest back on level terms in an improved second half.
And while Kyle Naughton was sent off late on for the Swans, Sabri Lamouchi’s men couldn’t quite force a winner.
Here’s what the head coach had to say afterwards.
What did you make of the result and the performance?
“We started in the wrong way, conceding the first goal. In my opinion, it was so easy for them.
“After that, there was a good reaction with a goal from Sammy.
“Then we conceded a penalty before the break.
“We didn’t play so well in the first half - not like how we planned. But it was a very positive reaction in the second half from the boys.
“We got back in the game and we tried with the substitutions to win the game, but unfortunately we took just one point tonight.”
Do you feel you ended the game strongly - perhaps enough to get the win?
“Yes, but sometimes we need to take more time and be more patient, switch the ball from right to left side more quickly.
“They played the last 10 minutes or so with one player less.
“Sometimes we took the wrong decision, but the players played much better in the second half than in the first one.
“But it was just one point.
“If you ask if I’m satisfied? Yes, with the point. But we tried to play for the victory.
“Tonight it wasn’t possible.”
What did you make of Sammy Ameobi’s performance?
“Fortunately Sammy was in a good way.
“He was a good inspiration with two nice goals, one with the right foot and one with the left.”
Did you think it was a penalty?
“No, for sure it wasn’t a penalty.
“But it wasn’t only about the penalty or the many fouls against us or the yellow cards.
“It doesn’t make sense for me to start talking about the referee now. I haven’t talked about the referee all season, so I don’t want to start now.”
How much of a help was it to have Joe Lolley back, and are you able to update us on Matty Cash’s injury?
“Cashy maybe for Sunday. Maybe yes, maybe not. I don’t know.
“It was so risky to take the decision now, so we will check him tomorrow for Barnsley.
“It was nice to see him (Lolley). But we need Lolley in a better condition.
“He tried, but not with success.
“We need him on top if we want him to make the difference.”
