OPINION: '˜Not a monumental season in milestone year for Nottingham Forest'

The 150th year of Nottingham Forest's existence was not one to remember, but it had its moments, writes Reds fan Steve Corry.

Forest signed off the season with an entertaining win away at MK Dons, with the help of the biggest away following of the campaign. The most pleasing aspect was our two goal scorers, Chris Cohen and Britt Assombalonga.

As the sun blazed down at Stadium MK the fans were treated to an eventful encounter; Matt Mills came close early on but Forest went ahead just minutes later. Lichaj fed Osborn, who’s deep cross from the left was headed home beautifully by Chris Cohen. Watch it again and see the frightening similarity between the Robertson-Francis goal in Munich! (Not living in the past though)

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Eric Lichaj came very close soon after but Forest were pegged back before the 20-minute mark. The Dons opened up the “men in black” with a beautiful move, which Nicky Maynard finished with aplomb. If this is the last ever Championship goal for MK it’s one to be proud of.

The sides went in level at the break but the away team were a man down, Danny Fox was given a straight red card for what appeared to be a two footed challenge in the 37th-minute. The second half again yielded chances for both teams, Maynard coming close for the home side whilst Osborn and Mendes came within a whisker at the opposite end.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man; Forest gave the massive travelling army a moment to savour thanks to Britt Assombalonga.

Talk about saving the best until last; Ben Osborn was again the provider for a goal that will live long in the memories of Nottingham Forest supporters.

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The youngster produced a stunning piece of skill to get past his marker before playing in Assombalonga, Britt cut inside his man and fired low into the bottom left corner of the net.

A happy ending to what’s been an awful season if I’m honest but if you look close enough there’s a subliminal message.

Both Chris Cohen and Britt Assombalonga have returned from career threatening injuries, they have worked hard and never given up. So if you’re a fan and you need inspiration to return next season, use these guys as your reason for doing so. You may have lost faith in the owner, myself included now, but there are people at the club that give us hope.

There have been many lows with the occasional high point, let’s have a look at a few of them throughout the season.

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We’re aware of the numerous late payments to every man and his dog, by our owner. Then came the obligatory sacking of a manager, who despite his negativity had his hands tightly bound.

The ongoing embargo and subsequent lack of transfer funds has been a thorn in our side since it was initiated.

Finally, the sheer number of devastating injuries that have plagued our squad is beyond unlucky.

So, here are a few reasons to be cheerful!

Beating Derby, Eric Lichaj’s first goal, the return of Cohen and Assombalonga, the form of Dorus De Vries and Jonny Owen’s masterpiece (I Believe in Miracles).

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Despite my insistence on putting the past behind us, one can only applaud the efforts of Mr Owen’s production. The fact that it was a Cardiff City fan who showcased the monumental achievements of Mr Clough and his miracle men is a testimony in itself. It is indeed the most remarkable story in sporting history, I have no doubts about that and choose to ignore the so called experts on Sky Sports.

After 150 years, we find ourselves in an almost identical position to the year 1974 BC (Before Clough), ironic really given the dizzy heights that we reached during his stewardship.

We’ve been in a Championship traffic jam for the last 16 years, continuously looking for Munich and Madrid in our rear view mirrors.

But the time has come to look at the road ahead; I still believe in miracles!