By dixon9
February 1 2007

The Forest fans taunted the Stamford Bridge crowd with cardboard cut-outs of the 2 European Cups they had won although their player’s performance on the pitch demonstrated that these trophies were from a bygone era.

Having said that, recognition must be given to the Forest faithful who were very vocal during some parts of the game – all credit to them.  They came for a good day out and certainly seemed to enjoy themselves despite the result, although there is a part of me that is reluctant to shine much light on this as I remember them singing songs about helicopters just after the death of Mathew Harding.

 

Chants of “José Mourinho” echoed around the ground from the off and were repeated at various stages of the encounter.  Right from the whistle Chelsea dominated proceedings.  Most of the Forest players did impressions of rabbits trapped in headlights whilst Chelsea players were almost queuing up to shoot - It got to the point where it was a bit like watching people taking turns shooting ducks at a fairground. 

 

It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened and the first goal arrived on 9 mins from Shevchenko, who volleyed a downwards shot which changed direction after it was deflected off Curtis.  The ball was goal wards bound anyway, and therefore was credited to the Ukrainian.  

 

The pressure continued and then it was Drogba´s turn.  Our panther from the Bridge pumped in an impressive free-kick from 25 yards out, with the power rather than the placement beating Smith.

 

“Mini-Maka” Diarra was playing very well with Mikel Obi again looking impressive.  Lampard and Sean Wright-Philips poked and probed and various shots were blocked or flustered away by the Forest defence until eventually, Mikel Obi prodded home after a Sunday League style box scrap fell to the 18 year old, who lay in wait at a tight angle to the goal.

 

Half-time came and I was looking forward to possible revenge for the 7-0 and 6-2 reverses we suffered to Robin Hood’s men when I was…erm….shall we say…..a bit younger.  Unfortunately Mourinho and Calderwood conspired against my wishes.  Mourinho had already had in his mind to conserve energy and bring on some youngsters during the latter stages, whilst Calderwood decided to bring on his fellow Scot, Clingan  (I can see it now in the Forest dressing room at half-time, “Beam me up Scotty! The Cling-ons are coming!”  Oh well……I’m looking for inspired humour but it’s not really coming!).   

 

Anyway…..Forest seemed to stiffen up and try and play a bit for a brief period, resulting in Agogo firing across a tantalising daisy cutter which went beyond the reach of Cech, and fortunately, the incoming forward.  Bennet and young Tyson impressed me in the second half and I imagine part of the reason for their more meritable performances were due to frustration at their team playing well below par during the first half.

 

The Chelsea domination soon resumed with Lampard, Shevchenko and Essien involved with goal-scoring chances. During the latter stages youngsters Woods (only 16), Morais and Kalou were all brought on.  Kalou has shown promise at times although he got a bit selfish when he refused to return a Shevchenko wall-pass in the penalty area.

 

My only real complaint was the state of the pitch – it certainly looked very soft and reminded me of the 1970 Wembley final when some bright spark had decided to schedule the Horse of the Year show just before that historic match.  It really isn’t good enough!  Ever since I was a nipper we’ve too often had a dodgy pitch.  Can we get it sorted please?!!!!!  For once!!!!!