17 mins Bopp 0-1

Half time: Newcastle 0 Forest 2

Full time: Newcastle 0 Forest 2

"I was disappointed for the first time for some time. We weren't at our best by any means. We set our stall out to make games high-tempo occasions but we allowed Nottingham Forest the time and space to play.

"To be fair to them they took full advantage and were well worth their lead at half-time. I like to play a high-tempo, pressing game, but we didn't apply ourselves until the second half, when we were already two goals down.

"I've given the lads a reminder that I'll always demand the highest standard of work-rate and discipline."

Returning to action after a double hernia injury, one-time toon target Michael Dawson appeared for the visitors - the Northallerton-born England U21 defender coming off in a pre-agreed move after 30 minutes. He later told the Nottingham Evening Post:

"The plan was always to play for half an hour. I have done a bit of training and I'm still a little bit sore. It is just nice to get out there and play," 

"It's been a nightmare. I've been out for a long time.

"I've got to get fit and last night was a good game to get a run-out in.

"I have not done a lot and, week by week, I'm looking to play a little bit more.

"The management and coaching staff have been good like that. But I have to take it slowly and when I'm right, I'm right. I'm certainly not putting a timescale on it.

"I played last year with niggles and I got through it. We thought it would go away but I could not carry on like that. I've got to be pain-free when I'm playing.

"I can't say when I'm going to be back. It's awful watching games. No player likes to be injured and I'm no different.

"You miss things like the banter with the lads and stuff like that. It's just great to be back in and around it. I'm delighted but I'm not getting too excited. But when I am fit, I'll be back and that's about all I can say."

The pattern was set right from the start, as we muddled around after kicking off and Forest raced upfield, Kris Common bringing a fingertip save from Tony Caig after just 41 seconds.

The visitors then took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of a Eugene Bopp shot and doubled the lead five minutes before half-time through Kris Common - the  first reserve goals of the season for Forest after four previous blanks. 

Common had played in Bopp for the first and Bopp returned the compliment, Common running from the halfway line to latch onto a long ball, beating Caig to walk the ball in and seal the victory.

United only had a token Martin Brittain shot to offer in response and could have gone in further behind had Gardner not put his shot wide of the post.

Coach Tommy Craig made some changes at the interval, with Stephen Brennan returning from injury at right back for the second half, Kris Gate switching wings in place of Phil Cave.

In midfield, Ben Webster replaced the ineffective Danny Howe, but the second half was little better as we continually lost ground in the centre of the park and chances for strikers Guy and Bates were at a premium.

A late mini-rally saw us at least get the ball into the final third of the field as Walton was introduced for his first reserve appearance of the season after a prolific scoring run in the juniors.

However, aside from a weak Webster shot and an equally suspect penalty claim, there was little for the Kingston Park crowd to get excited about and fans were making for the exits long before the final whistle.

And the latest decent chance of the night fell to Forest, for whom Glass beat Caig only to see his shot glance off the woodwork and bounce to safety.

Chief scout Charlie Woods was spotted in the stand but there was no sign of Souness - John Carver and Paul Bracewell were in attendance though.

PS: Three of tonight's side were subsequently included in the Israel party for Thursday's game - Ramage, Brittain and the fit-again Steven Taylor.

Biffa

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