Missed chances proved costly for Nottingham Forest as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley
Boss Chris Hughton could take plenty of positives away from his side’s display, but a late, quickfire double from Callum Styles and Cauley Woodrow meant they returned empty-handed.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Oakwell.
Brice Samba: His goal had led a charmed life for much of the afternoon as Barnsley hit the woodwork three times. That slice of good fortune couldn’t hold out until the end, though. Rating: 6/10
Cyrus Christie: Pushed forward with intent and put some lovely crosses in, including setting up Lyle Taylor early in the second half. Defence as a whole had generally looked solid until the final minutes. Rating: 6/10
Tobias Figueiredo: Made some vital interceptions when the Tykes enjoyed some decent spells of possession. Final scoreline was cruel on the visitors. Rating: 6/10
Scott McKenna: Has barely put a foot wrong since his summer move. Another solid 90 minutes. Looked for all the world as though Forest would hold out for a clean-sheet. Rating: 7/10
Yuri Ribeiro: Deservedly kept his place in the team, despite the return of Nicholas Ioannou from suspension. Tried to push forward when he got the chance. Rating: 6/10
Joe Lolley: Back to his brilliant, terrorizing best. Barnsley simply couldn’t handle him. A threat throughout, which is a positive sign for the Reds. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: A steady display in the centre of the pitch. Just not convinced playing the skipper and Ryan Yates together in the middle offers the best balance. Rating: 6/10
Ryan Yates: Thought he had marked his birthday with a goal, only for his first half header to be ruled out for a handball. Generally played well, though. Rating: 7/10
Anthony Knockaert: Had some really bright moments, even if he had a few sloppy passes mixed in there at the same time. A lot of positives for Forest to take from the afternoon, though. Rating: 7/10
Miguel Angel Guerrero: Great touch. Worked hard. Lovely link-up play. Just needed better finishing. Should have scored with two golden chances in the first half - those misses proved costly. Rating: 6/10
Lyle Taylor: Put in a heck of a shift up front, and there’s a lot to like about his partnership with Guerrero. Forced a fine save with a glancing header after the break. Rating: 7/10
Subs: Luke Freeman (for Guerrero, 72): Tried to get involved straight away, just couldn’t force the breakthrough. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Smith, Mbe Soh, Ameobi, Bong, Jenkinson, Cafu, Arter, Ioannou.
