Nottingham Forest 1 – Leeds United 1 – Improved Performance but Huge Opportunity Lost For Brian Clough’s Men
Nottingham Forest missed the opportunity to move out of the premier league relegation places at the City Ground. And although there were some signs of encouragement for manager Brian Clough, his side again failed to make the most of the goal-scoring chances that came their way.
Nigel Clough was withdrawn into a defensive position, allowing Forest to be more solid at the back, they did concede a 12th-minute goal from Rod Wallace that flew past Mark Crossley into the corner of the net. But Forest clawed their way level 12 minutes later, thanks to a controversial penalty awarded. John Lukic was adjudged to have brought down Ian Woan as he attempted to get to the bye-line and Clough stepped to send the Leeds keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Forest did have other chances when Gary Bannister’s shot hit the upright as well as a couple of chances that Ian Woan had but failed to capitalize.
Wimbledon 3 – Norwich 0 – Canaries Watch Title Hopes Flounder in South London
Norwich’s title hopes were dealt a serious body blow by an in-form Wimbledon side, which produced a classy performance to depose the canaries from the top of the premier league division. The one sour note for the Dons was the booking of Vinnie Jones for a bad foul and he faced his fourth suspension of that season. There was a 10875 strong crowd to cheer on the side at Selhurst Park.
Norwich Manager Mike Walker said “We were well beaten – outmuscled to a certain degree. A few words were said after the game in the dressing room but there was not an inquest. Wimbledon is always a problem to play against and I don’t envy Manchester United coming to Selhurst Park for the last game of the season.”
Wimbledon Manager Joe Kinnear said “They were lucky to get away with three goals. I hope that the championship depends on that game against Manchester United. It would be a great game to end the season.”
Liverpool 1 – Everton 0 – Reds leave it late to beat Merseyside Rivals
Substitute Ronny Rosenthal produced a dramatic strike deep into injury time to give Liverpool a win over their bitter rivals Everton. The match had seemed destined to end in a stalemate with Steve McManaman wasting two great chances for Liverpool and Stuart Barlow missing three for Everton.
But just when it looked like that both the Merseyside teams would go home with a point apiece, Rosenthal a 76th-minute substitute grabbed all three points for Graeme Souness’ men. Liverpool had suffered a major set back early on when Mark Wright pulled up with a knee injury and had to hobble out of the action to be replaced in central defence by Jan Molby.
Oldham 2 – QPR 2 – Oldham’s Resurgence Continued with a Hard-Fought Point Against Leeds
Oldham suffered a blow when striker Marshall had to be helped off the field in the 17th minute by apparently twisting an ankle. He was substituted by Scotland under 21 midfielder Paul Bernard.
Oldham continued to press forward and in the 24 minute Rangers keeper Roberts made a superb save from Ian Olney after Oldham’s joint leading scorer had been put in the clear by Mark Brennan. In a game that ebbed and flowed the match ended with both the sides taking one point each. After looking like a certainty to go down a month earlier, Oldham had then taken two draws and a win over leaders Manchester United in their previous four matches.
They were set to face fellow strugglers Middlesborough next in what was a huge six-pointer.
