Nottingham Forest 2 Burnley 0, Monday 21st April
Wanted: goalkeeper
The statistics said...
We lost 2-0 at The City Ground. Forest's goals were scored by Michael Dawson in the 75th minute, and David Johnson (of course) in the 90th. Dawson's goal was a shot from around 35 yards, which eluded NTG; Johnson's was from closer range. Opinion on the away end was that NTG was at fault for both goals.
The Clarets had actually started the game well. In the first half, Richard Chaplow shot just wide from a good opportunity, Ian Moore hit the crossbar, and Gareth Taylor had a close-range effort saved - but it wasn't to be Burnley's day.
As well as losing the match, Burnley also lost Driss when he picked up an
early injury. The only consolation came in the continued development of the
youngsters, with Chaplow playing the whole game and Matty O'Neill and Mark
Rasmussen coming on as subs.
There's always somebody worse off, though, and today saw Grimsby and Sheffield
Wednesday both relegated, and Brighton only just hanging onto their Division
One status.
Our survey said...
Brent:
A Greek tragedy. The youngsters really did well today, only to be undone by two absolutely diabolical mistakes by NTG. Graham Branch and Arthur were exceptional, and it must have been gutting for the rest of the team, who were superb, to have had to watch the dire performance of the Greek custodian.
Paddy:
Greek mythology: a keeper who can keep out the weakest of shots. We played well, and deserved a point until NTG messed it all up. Nik, piss off: drink coffee and water on your own time. If I ever see you in the Burnley goal again, it will be too soon.
Nic:
Michopolous (sic) - a dead loss.
Barbara:
Oh, woe is Nik. Hubble bubble, toil and trouble for Clarets' supporters. Out damned Nik! Well done the rest of the defence.
Woody:
Branch and Gnohere were excellent. Chaplow has passed to more Burnley players in five games than Grant in a whole season. A fine prospect (Chaplow, not Grant).
It all doesn't matter if your goalkeeper plays like a Greek schoolboy. Rubbish goalkeeping cost us at least a point. Brent, get between the sticks, mate.
Jane:
Defensively, the weak link is in goal. It doesn't matter who is in goal, though - we need new blood.
We had chances, and worked hard, only to give it away via NTG. Disappointing, after some real passing in the game.
Firmo:
A hard game to enjoy today. I always felt it was going to be 0-0, until they scored.
The first goal was very disappointing, but you're always going to get that with NTG. He can juggle all he likes, and then he's going to let a soft one in.
Perhaps we can get one of those goalkeepers in the summer, like other teams have.
On the positive side, hats off to Di Branchio, who looked like a defender, and Chaplow, who has promise.
Jules:
A very disappointing game as it turned out. NTG was fucking shite. He gave away two goals. Chappers was encouraging, and O'Neill (unlike his father, Paddy) was not bad.
Poll of the day
How it works: Our Chairman highlights a key issue, and each London Claret present at the post-match inquest casts one vote. Today's poll saw 10 votes cast.
Question: Who would you prefer to see in goal for Burnley: Marlon Beresford, Nik Michopoulos, or Brent Whittam?
The result: Marlon and NTG tied, with 0 votes. The overwhelming winner was Brent, with 10. Don't laugh - it could happen.
Pic of the day
We were perusing a Burnley paper after the game, and came across this ad. We can't think who the employer could be.
As with all articles on the site, the views expressed in the vox pop section are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Burnley FC London Supporters Club.
