There may be a lack of fans, but there is no lack of motivation for Nottingham Forest during games, according to Joe Lolley.
The Reds had their first glimpse of football’s new normal on Saturday as they returned to action at Sheffield Wednesday behind closed doors.
A number of measures have been put in place to make matches as safe an environment as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic, and that includes the absence of crowds.
But with Forest fighting for a top six finish, there is no less importance attached to their remaining fixtures.
And even though no supporters were present to cheer his fabulous second half strike, the winger still enjoyed getting on the scoresheet - albeit Connor Wickham’s late equaliser meant it only counted for a point in the end.
“To be honest, I didn’t feel any different from a normal game,” said Lolley.
“The whole situation itself is different but in terms of the 90 minutes, it didn’t feel slow, it didn’t feel any different to a normal game in that respect.
“Of course the atmosphere isn’t the same but in terms of the pace of the game and the way it was played, it was very competitive and seemed normal.
“It’s always nice to score and it was a good goal as well. It means a lot.
“It didn’t feel any different. It felt good.
“I’m just gutted it wasn’t a winning goal.
“I think the motivation for the play-offs and the fact we’re so focused on what we want to achieve meant it didn’t feel different.
“We know the situation and we’ve got to deal with it.
“In terms of motivation during the game, personally, it didn’t feel any different to a normal game. We’ve got a lot to play for, and I think that showed.”
Sabri Lamouchi’s side sit fifth in the Championship table heading into the final eight matches.
Having come so close to victory in their first outing for three months, Lolley admitted to a sense of frustration at not being able to see the game out.
“It was frustrating. We’ve got a big motivation to stay in the play-offs and maybe put pressure on the top two, so it is a missed opportunity in that respect,” he said.
“After three months out, I thought we played quite well in patches and it wasn’t a bad start. We almost expected a bit worse but I thought in general we were pretty solid.
“It is just frustrating to concede so late.
“When you take the lead and then lose it late on like that, you feel like you’ve dropped two points.
“But before the game, with it being the first game back for three months, you never really know where you’re at individually and as a team.
“I thought we played quite well and coped with it all well. It’s just frustrating to concede late on.”
The season was brought to a halt in March, with Forest losing 3-0 at home to Millwall prior to the shutdown.
In the interim period players have followed fitness programmes at home, and they returned to training last month - initially on a non-contact basis.
“We did a great job in the time we were off in keeping ourselves fit and the lads came back in really great shape,” said Lolley.
“I probably feel as fit as I have ever been and I still felt fit towards the end of the game.
“I don’t think any of the lads were struggling. No-one was struggling with cramp at the end and everyone feels fit and ready. Physically we dealt with it quite well.”
