As the sides trotted out, an immense roar lifted the spirits of the players. Forest were a side in form and in confidence, but at first it seemed Wigan had the early imputus. Forest looked a little shaky, but as the game went on the inspiration came from the back and flowed through the side. Good tackling from Dawson and veteran defender Walker made a quick impression on the Forest team. Forest struggled to hold possession in the first period but as the match progressed Forest got their act together. David Johnson netted late in the first half, but an offside decison went against Forest and ruled out what would have been a great volleyed goal for our pint-sized hero. The linesman continued to be a thorn in Forest's side as he gave more and more debatable decisions against Forest. Wigan must have been very pleased with their helping hand in running the offside trap. Time and time again King had space to run at down the right but was pulled back. Forest were exploiting the wings by now though and were back in the game passing about quite well. The nerves had clearly settled. Forest had the final chance of the half as Johnson, yet again the danger man headed wide of the post. The sides went in for half time with a fair, but by no means pleasing 0-0 scoreline.

At half time it was time for Mr. Kenny Burns to grace the turf of the City Ground again. Why? He was taking part in a penalty shoot-out. It was Burns' team vs. a team who had bid the most at a corperate dinner. The prize your height in beer. The scores were tied at 3-3 and it was time for the final takers Mr. Burns was up. He slotted away both penalties after a run-up at Johno-like speed. Burns' team won and the ex-Forest centre-back looked rather happy to have won his height in beer.

As the sides came out for the second half a new roar went up from the Forest fans. We wanted something to remember, to edn the season with a bang. Gerrard had to go off just three minutes into the second half, he'd been struggling with waht appeared to be a pulled hamstring since well into the first half. His replacement filled me with very little confidence. Barry Roche took to the field again. However he carried out his first duty, catching a corner kick, rather well. Boosted by the cheers of the Forest fans, Roche carried on the work Gerrard had started. Johno broke free from the defence and was well in the box, just about to pull the trigger, when Farelly made a good tackle to intervene. Forest now were pushing for the goal. And it wasn't long before it came. Williams put the ball in the box. It ran between Johnson's legs as he tried to shoot. A goal-mouth scramble ensued. Finally Evans shot and Johnson applied the deadly finish. It was his fourth goal in just three games. The City Ground roof was almost blasted off in tthe celebratuions that followed.

Wigan were in no mood to let the game go. Twice they came close to scoring. The first time Teale forcing a good save from Roche, the second the ball struck the inside of the post and somehow stayed out. Luck was with Forest today. Forest sat out the game. In the final minutes the usual "keep it in the corner" shinanigans toko place. However Westcarr got through and was nearly one-on-one when he was tackled. The young Striker, who had replaced Johnson, came close again in the games last chance. Williams was one-on-one with the keeper, but no doubt wanting Westcarr to get a goal back heeled it to him. Unfortuantely Westcarr had already ran into another position.

After the end of the match there were a few mindless idiots who tried a pitch invasion. The stewards were quick to remove them from the pitch. The players came out and were applauded the whole way around the ground as thety took a lap of honour. The big man got the biggest cheer though. Forest saviour Joe Kinnear strolle dto the middle of the pitch, our saviour. Unfortunately he couldn't send Derby down as they're now safe. But more importantly he kept Forest up. Well done Joe Kinnear, well done Nottingham Forest.

Match Ratings:

Paul Gerrard, 8- Good performance, playing on despite an injury.

(Barry Roche, 7- Good shot stopping and kicked good distances, just let the one hit the post.)

Andy Impey, 6- Didn't really shine today.

Des Walker, 8- Great performance from the veteran.

Alan Rogers, 7- Reasonable, but failed to catch the eye.

Eoin Jess, 8- Made the right runs, just didn't get enough of the ball.

(Danny Sonner, 6- No time to make an impact.)

Paul Evans, 8- Tiger again in the midfield.

Gareth Williams, 7- Good, no more. Made the goal, but tried to give Westcarr one, which had he knocked in would have seen him rated higher.

Andy Reid, 5- Poor today, but he has played every competitive game.

Marlon King, 7- Seemed unlucky with a lot of decisions today. Perhaps a lttle tired from the goal with the "Reggae Boyz".

David Johnson, 9- Excellent for someone who claims still not to be at his best.

(Craig Westcarr, 6- Made the right choices just a little late at pulling the trigger.)

Home fans, 10- Were out in force again. Good crowd.

Away Fans (Wigan), 9- Got behind there team too.

Michael Lynch's Alternative Match Ratings:

Paul Gerrard, 7- Commanded his penalty area well. Kept a clean sheet for the rime he was on but unfortunately picked up an injury that might see his Forest career prematurely over.

(Barry Roche, 7- The best ever performance from Barry Roche. Also commanding in the area. Caght a few crosses and stopped a few shots.)

Andy Impey, 6- Made a few good tackles and some okay crosses. Looked a little average, though.

Des Walker, 8- Also won everything in the air and looked solid and consistent throughout.

Alan Rogers, 7- Played okay. Amde a few good contributions but not the best of 'Tank.'

Eoin Jess, 6- Played well for the first half but couldn't carry it over for the second.

(Danny Sonner, 7- Started off well and looked pretty decent. Didnt have enough time to make it past a 7, though.)

Paul Evans, 8- Played consistently well throughout today's game.

Gareth Williams, 6- Looked okay in the first half but went of the boil in the second playing very poorly.

Andy Reid, 6- Looked to have had one eye on Spurs.

Marlon King, 6- Looked okay if not a little average.

David Johnson, 9- Played very well and would have probably scored more goals if he had more support from his teammates.

(Craig Westcarr, 5- Didn't have enough time.)

Home fans, 9- Loud through most of today's game. Had a few periods where they were silent but came to life after the Forest goal and were supportive of the players during the lack of honour.

Away Fans (Wigan), 9- Had a good following and were loud... But they also sang 'You've never won **** all.' which was a little idiotic!