The difference is noticeable after only 3 games in, the nerves are the tell tale sign - for the last three seasons we've turned up @ home games expecting a win & usually seeing one, but this is the Championship - there aren't any easy games & this means a return of nerves - it also makes for a cracking atmosphere too.
Credit to the players today each time Watford equalised they managed to get back into their game & stay positive.
Lee Martin's opener was an absolute stunner - turning his man & curling the ball into the top corner, even greater considering it was against the run of play. Watford have assembled a decent squad & with Aidey in charge I think they'll be chasing promotion again. The 1st equaliser from Tommy Smith saw him pounce on Smith's rebounded save & for a few minutes Forest seemed shakey.
However they got through it & got back into there groove & when Guy "The Moose" Moussi found Earnshaw with a great through ball we were 2-1 up. From then on till half time we were largely in control.
The second half came and the game became truly open chances at both ends, it looked likely would grab a 3rd - but a double substitution for Watford paid immediate dividends as Tommy Smith drifted in unmarked from a freekick to make it 2-2.
Again it was back & forth - Julian Bennett prevented Watford from taking the lead with a fantastic tackle in the box, Forest kept plugging away & scored the winner thanks to the arrival of Nathan Tyson from the bench - he reacted before everyone else when Earnshaw's freekick deflected across the open goal to score with only his second touch of the game.
Forest had a great chance to make it 4-2 when Tyson set up Earnshaw but his shot went just wide. Subs were made seeing Cole make his debut & Sinclair getting a run out through a seemingly excessive amount of stoppage time - mind you it could have seemed longer due to the nerves!
A pleasing result especially with Derby managing to lose @ Home again - having fun Kris?.
Smith - 6. Fairly solid couldn't really be blamed for the goals.
Bennett - 8. Seems to have made the step up well & getting better with every game.
Breckin - 6. Did well standing in for Wilson - but it's obvious he's just going to be a stand in.
Morgan - 7. Bossed the defence - seems much more accomplished a centre half than when we were in the Championship before.
Chambers -5. Sloppy marking to let Smith score the 2nd for Watford - not at his best today.
Perch - 7. sat in the hole in front of the back 4 & provided some much needed cover - really seems to have stepped up a gear & relishing his chance in the starting line up.
Moussi 7. Another solid performance from The Moose - Love the way he always seems to be in control when he has the ball, even with 2 players tackling him.
Cohen - 6. Should have squared to Earnshaw shortly after Martin scored & misplaced some easy passes - but his hard work cannot be underestimated in our midfield trio.
Martin - 8. Fantastic goal, great movement, nearly scored another belter @ the start of the 2nd half, got stuck in & always looked a threat.
McCleary - 6. Not his best game got involved in some tit for tat with Watford's no. 15 - but showed his pace & raw ability on a couple of occasions. Bearing in mind he was playing non-league this time last season I think he's doing well.
Earnshaw - 8. Class finish for his goal, unlucky with the late effort set up by Tyson - but once again showed that he's got it, convinced he will hit at least the 15 goal mark once we get some support alongside him upfront.
Subs.
Tyson - 8. Just back from his latest injury (here's hoping he can stay injury free for a while now) - scored with his second touch & had the Watford defence scared every time he got the ball.
Sinclair - 6. did alright when he came on - but I just don't think he's quite good enough for this level yet - when Tyson's fully fit think we should loan him out.
Cole - 6. Got stuck in & his experience a help in the last few minutes - remain to be convinced that he's worth £25k a week - but it's still early days.
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