Deadly Dexter helps Forest win
Dexter Blackstock’s first home goal in over seven months helped
Nottingham Forest return to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over
Burnley at the City Ground.
The Reds went into the game following back-to-back defeats to
Ipswich and Hull, but Blackstock, who last scored at the City
Ground in a 2-0 win over Portsmouth at the end of April, set them
on their way to victory.
His strike partner Billy Sharp sealed all three points in the
76th minute, keeping his cool after he was put through on goal by
Andy Reid.
Burnley made a bright start and created the better first-half
chances, despite Forest having more of the ball during the opening
45 minutes.
Charlie Austin had an early opportunity. The Clarets striker
found space down the left side of the penalty box, but showed no
sign of the composure that has seen him score 21 times so far this
season and his effort joined the Burnley fans in the Bridgford
End.
The visitors were having a lot of joy down the right and Martin
Paterson’s shot clipped the outside of a post midway through the
first half following Kieran Trippier’s deep cross.
Forest’s first real chance came just after the half hour mark
when Blackstock powered a header straight at goalkeeper Lee
Grant.
Immediately at the other end, there was another close shave for
Sean O’Driscoll’s side when Chris McCann fired narrowly wide from a
similar position to Austin’s earlier chance.
O’Driscoll would have been relieved to get his players into the
dressing room still on level terms and the hosts were much improved
after the break.
McGugan volleyed over from Reid’s cross early in the second half
before Blackstock broke the deadlock. The striker had a lot of work
to do with Reid’s deep cross but he leapt brilliantly to loop his
header over Grant.
It took a superb save from Camp to preserve the lead as Burnley
sought an immediate reply. The Northern Ireland international got
down well to his left to block when Austin seemed certain to
score.
Forest had another let off midway through the second half when
substitute Sam Vokes headed inches wide as Camp and his defenders
stood statuesque.
But Sharp sealed the victory following good defensive work by
Alan Hutton.
The on-loan Aston Villa full-back sparked a swift Forest counter
attack and Reid slipped in Sharp behind the Burnley defence and he
finished confidently when one-on-one with Grant.