Sunday 28 August 2011

Miller on target as Forest sink Chairboys




Nottingham Forest finally found their attacking finesse on Tuesday evening as the Reds cruised past League One Wycombe to go into Saturday’s draw for round three of the Carling Cup.

Forest bagged two goals in the opening six minutes at Adams Park through Ishmael Miller and a Lewis McGugan penalty.

Robbie Findley scored a magnificent third after the break and although the Chairboys pulled one back from the spot, Radoslaw Majewski put the result beyond all doubt with a neat finish 15 minutes from time.

Steve McClaren’s decision to make a double change up front ahead of the game in Buckinghamshire proved to be a wise one as the Reds began the game confidently - USA international Findley partnering Miller who caused Wanderers problems from the off.

Within the opening two minutes Majewski teamed up well with Chris Cohen in the middle of the park – Cohen thumped in an early ball which flashed across the face of goal towards Miller but unfortunately the former West Brom man was unable to get on the end of it.

However Miller did not make the same mistake twice as shortly after he fired in Forest’s first following a perfect through ball from Majewski - Miller was quick to latch on and slid the ball past the standing Chairboys shot-stopper Nikki Bull.

The Reds continued to showcase their attacking flair and won a penalty minutes later after a through ball from Jonathan Greening sent Miller through on goal – he shrugged off the Wycombe defenders but was brought down unfairly by Bull.

Lewis McGugan stepped up to score his second spot-kick in as many games.

McClaren’s men continued to pile on the pressure as again the lively Miller was denied his second thanks to a great reaction stop by Bull.

For the hosts Swindon Town loanee Elliot Benyon’s shot took a wicked deflection and nearly had Forest keeper Lee Camp beaten but the Reds were saved by the inside of the post.

Forest continued to pose a threat and Findley got the Reds an excellent third just after the hour mark - Majewski fed a ball through to the rapid American who fought off two defenders to turn and curl a shot into the bottom corner from 16-yards.

Wycombe were then awarded a spot-kick of their own when Joel Lynch needlessly brought down Chairboys midfielder Stuart Lewis. Benyon stepped up and sent Camp the wrong way to give Wycombe a glimmer of hope.

Yet it was the Reds that continued to attack, substitute Joe Garner went close with a header before having a hand in Forest's fourth.

The frontman - who spent much of last season on loan at Scunthorpe United - beat the tackle of Dave Winfield before unselfishly squaring the ball to Majewski who applied the simple finish.

Nineteen-year-old prospect Kieron Freeman made his first team debut in the closing stages replacing McGugan in midfield. The hot-prospect went close to scoring in the final minute when Chris Gunter pulled the ball back for the youngster who slipped when set to strike.

The draw for round three of the Carling Cup will take place just after 12 noon on Saturday 27th August. The last 32 will include the Premier League teams involved in Europe.

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