Nottingham Forest 1 Leyton Orient 3

Its kids for a quid at The City Ground today, and I have promised to take the boys I coach on their Christmas Party. I had a season ticket during Paul Hart's 3 year tenure, but refused to go during Kinnear and Megson era. Football should be played on the grass! Colin Calderwood is their new, bright, young manager who quietly goes about his business.

Top versus bottom, surely a formality? An evenly balanced game burst into life on 25 mins when an unmarked Luke Guttridge, a player I admired so much at Cambridge, who is currently on loan from Southend, opened the scoring with a shot from 20 yards. Adam Chambers, made it 2-0, shortly before half-time, following good work from James Walker, the on loan striker from Charlton, who was beginning to cause problems with his pace and power.

20 year old defender Brian Saah, was shackling with ease, the highly rated 9 jacket Nathan Tyson, who was receiving little service from his colleagues. Kris Commons, courted by numerous Championship teams, was struggling with the physical presence of the Orient defence. A fine save from Orient keeper, Garner in injury time, from Grant Holt, meant the Londoners were to hold their two goal advantage.

Forest came out all guns blazing, and it was no surprise when Breckin reduced the deficit on 58 mins, with a looping header following a Southall free-kick. Wayne Corden killed off any hopes of a Forest comeback with the goal of the game on 69 mins, a fine curling effort after a dazzling run. Only a fine save from Paul Smith at the death, prevented Gary Alexander from inflicting further misery on the now dwindling crowd.

A reality check for Forest, but The Orient were great value, and on this showing it remains a mystery why they are in the lower regions. Sammy Clingan, for Forest showed great creativity and intelligence, but Chambers and Guttridge, amongst others for Orient were outstanding.

Nottingham Forest 1 Breckin Leyton Orient 3 Guttridge, Chambers, Corden.

Man of the Match Adam Chambers.