Nottingham Forest’s lack of consistency once again proved to be their undoing as they fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Rotherham United.
It was a result which could prove to be damaging in their chances of making the play-offs – and you can watch Reds reporter Paul Taylor’s verdict on the Championship clash in our latest Forest video.
Martin O’Neill’s side have not won back-to-back games since September and have not triumphed on the road since November.
Nottingham Forest play-offs hopes suffer massive blow with defeat to Rotherham United
And they got off to the worst possible start at the New York Stadium as they looked to build on last weekend’s home victory over Swansea City.
Yohan Benalouane hit the post early on, but with 10 minutes on the clock, the visitors were a goal down as Michael Smith latched on to a long throw and drove a strike into the back of the net.
Still, the Reds responded, and soon after Lewis Grabban had hit the woodwork, the front man claimed his 17th goal of the season in all competitions.
A delightful flicked ball on from Joe Lolley set the striker on his way, and though Marek Rodak saved his first effort, Grabban kept his cool and slotted home at the second attempt.
The goalscorer then forced a good save from Rodak in the second half, but it was the Millers who grabbed Nottingham Forest play-offs hopes suffer massive blow with defeat to Rotherham United on the hour mark.
Another set-piece from the home side caused problems and Michael Ihiekwe was on hand to head in what proved to be the winner.
Substitute Arvin Appiah was agonisingly close to latching on to a Matty Cash cross at the death, but there was to be no late drama for O’Neill’s men this time around.
With six games to go, they are left five points adrift of the top six heading into Tuesday night’s match at Sheffield Wednesday.
