Super-subs seal dramatic comeback for Forest

Simon Cox and Jamie Paterson celebrate with Darius Henderson Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Nottingham Forest came from two goals down to beat Watford 4-2 in the Championship last night, with the substitutes sharing all four goals between them, after a sensational second half comeback at the City Ground.

The Reds had huffed and puffed from the kick-off but failed to take the lead and only seemed to stir up the Hornets nest, going in at half time a goal down, thanks to an outrageous flick of the boot from Watford defender Gabrielle Angella just after the half-hour mark.

And things went from bad to worse for Forest, when the Italian doubled the lead for the visitors two minutes after the restart.

Gabrielle Angella celebrates after scoring for Watford Credit: Simon Cooper/EMPICS Sport

But boss Billy Davies had signalled his intent for change by bringing on Simon Cox at half-time: and the striker soon made his mark.

He set Forest on the road to recovery with a 58th minute tap-in, after good work from the impressive Guy Moussi.

Simon Cox high-fives Guy Moussi, after the imposing Frenchman set up his Irish teammate with an excellent knock-down Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

In the 73rd minute another substitute, Darius Henderson, levelled the score at two-a-piece with a pinpoint header from an exquisite ball into the box by Andy Reid with the outside of his left boot.

The mercurial Irishman provided another assist nine minutes later, as the Reds took the lead through a hat-trick of substitutes, when Jamie Mackie rose highest to meet Reid's lofted ball into the box.

Forest boss billy Davies was visibly ecstatic after last night's win and praised his players for their effort and work-rate Credit: Simon Cooper/EMPICS Sport

Less dejected and more determined to make amends, Watford threatened to add another twist to an extraordinary tale before the end.

But as the 90 minutes wound to an end, Forest broke free and Cox doubled his tally to settle the match at 4-2, securing a quite incredible win with a sumptuous first-time finish.

Before the game, Chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi set out to put supporters' minds at ease and flexed his financial muscles, unveiling three new signings to the City Ground faithful.

Forest Chairman, Fawaz Al Hasawi, unveils new signings Danny Fox, Rafik Djebbour and Kevin Gomis to the Reds faithful Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Rafik Djebbour, Danny Fox and Kevin Gomis posed for photos in front of the Main Stand with the Kuwaiti owner. And at the end of play, his manager hinted their work in the transfer market may not be done just yet.

Based on this performance, any new additions will only serve to strengthen Forest's push for automatic promotion.

Either way, watch this space, Forest's promotion charge continues...