Nottingham Forest report that the first home game of their 25th anniversary season brought a 4-0 win over Newcastle, in front of a 100+ crowd and was preceded by a new kit photo session at the City Ground.
Forest celebrated the launch of their newly sponsored kit with a pitch side photograph at the City Ground three hours before kick-off. The players and staff were spurred by the experience, resulting in wins for both the Senior Sides on Sunday.
Nottingham Forest squad and Management 2015/2016
Forest’s sponsor ‘Ryley Wealth Management’ were represented by Director David Ryley at Forest’s Ladies home ground of Basford United before the game. Steve Gray, NFLFC Club operations Manager presented a shirt as a token gesture of thanks alongside Captain ‘Kelly Kennaugh’ and Vice-Captain, Andi Bell who was wearing the number 25 shirt on the day.
Andi Bell did well to win herself a penalty after being upended as she paced by the defender in the box but her resulting effort was easily saved by the keeper.
Andi Bell is upended in the penalty area
Annabel McKechnie looked to have given Forest the lead after smashing the ball into the net but the offside flag was raised and the half ended goalless, albeit Forest were the team on top.
Forest’s teamwork finally paid off on 49 minutes when Amelia Robb played in Bell and although she was denied by the keeper, Natasha Meade slotted home the rebound.
Meade doubled the lead on 54 minutes with an audacious overhead kick which looped over the keeper and into the net to the delight of the crowd.
Annabel McKechnie chases down the ball
Bell increased the lead on 78 minutes, rapidly closing down the defender and nicking the ball wide of the goal, she deftly beat the keeper from 18 yards with the outside of her right foot.
Two minutes before time, Bell notched her brace after some great footwork from Meg Howard provided the through ball to Bell who caught the keeper off her line.
Forest Manager Sam Winch commented after the game: “I am delighted for the first team to get their first league win of the season. Not only was it a satisfying result but against a strong outfit in Newcastle United. On top of that we played some great football and produced the good work we have put in at training onto the field. With that being said, it is now important the squad takes the momentum from the last two games into the next one. We have a busy calendar with games coming thick and fast, but we will look no further then Thursday’s crunch match against local rivals Derby County, where only a win will suffice.”
Head Coach, Steve Stennett added: “After two very good and committed training sessions during the week, the players were spurred to a rampant performance with some terrific goals from a group of players who did exceptionally well.”
Andi Bell summed up from the player’s perspective: “On reflection, Sunday was a fantastic day for all involved with the club. We started the day with a photoshoot at The City Ground in our new replica kit and ended it 4-0 winners against an in-form Newcastle side. Although we dominated the majority of the game we had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock but finished 4 goals to the good. It’s not just about goals though as the defence were superb and blocked everything. We can go into Thursday’s local Derby with renewed confidence. Derby have started the season in good form but anything can happen in a game like this and we need to believe in ourselves and this club to get the result desired. There was a great crowd there on Sunday and we are hoping to appreciate the vocal support of an equally large crowd on Thursday.”
Thursday Sept 10th: Nottingham Forest v Derby County (Basford Utd FC, 7.45pm)
Pictured (top): Andi Bell left wearing 25, Captain Kelly Kennaugh, David Ryley and Steve Gray.
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