Wednesday 17 August 2011

Match Report: Doncaster 0 Nottingham Forest 1

Defender Chris Gunter scored the only goal of the game as Nottingham Forest beat Doncaster to record their first league win under Steve McClaren.The Reds had failed to score in their first two Championship matches and offered little by way of an attacking threat at the Keepmoat Stadium.However, Gunter's 31st-minute header proved enough.The result was harsh on Sean O'Driscoll's men, who were the better side for large periods.Former Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire made his Forest debut as manager McClaren made four changes from Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Millwall.Ishmael Miller, who arrived from West Bromwich Albion this week for an initial fee of £1.2million, had to settle for a place on the bench, along with highly-rated midfielder Lewis McGugan.Rovers made a bright start with James Coppinger and Kyle Bennett going close in the opening four minutes, the latter's 20-yard effort appearing to be tipped over the crossbar by Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp but referee Andy Woolmer gave a goal kick.Wes Morgan hooked wide from an Andy Reid free-kick at the other end but it was Doncaster who enjoyed the bulk of possession, with midfield trio John Oster, Simon Gillett and Giles Barnes linking well.But Forest made the breakthrough against the run of play moments after Derbyshire had seen a penalty appeal turned down when Gunter nodded home Brendan Moloney's deep cross.Camp showed good agility to palm away an effort from Coppinger that looked destined for the corner and ensure the visitors headed into the interval with their lead intact.

Gillett had a chance to equalise early in the second half when he was picked out at the far post by Barnes, but the former Southampton man failed to connect cleanly with his volley and Forest clung on for the victory.

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