Leeds United v Nottingham Forest: Redfearn labels Forest draw as ‘a good point’
Yorkshire Evening Post 14/3/15
LEEDS UNITED head coach Neil Redfearn professed satisfaction with his side’s efforts against in-form Nottingham Forest and labelled the 0-0 draw as a ‘good point’ - despite drawing a blank in front of goal.
United’s best crowd of the season witnessed a largely frustrating stalemate against two of the division’s form sides, with Forest heading into the game on the back of six victories from their previous eight games.
Leeds themselves headed into the game following victories over Wigan and Ipswich, but couldn’t break down Forest’s rearguard, although Redfearn felt his youthful side delivered another sound performance against a strong and experienced Championship rival.
Redfearn, who confirmed that the injured duo of Sam Byram and Rudy Austin are unlikely to be back for Wednesday’s game at Fulham, with Blackpool next weekend a more realistic return date, said: “It was a good point against a good side. It was frustrating at home, but we tried to our best to win it and changed it around and brought (Mirco) Antenucci and (Souleymane) Doukara on and went for it.
“But it just wasn’t to be.
“We just couldn’t find that edge or have that bit of luck to get in on goal and finish. But we defended well and worked hard as a team.
“I thought we played well, but I also thought Forest did. I thought we had the best chance in the game that fell to Charlie Taylor in the first half. He’s got to score, to be honest - it was in a good position on his left foot.
“But the keeper made a good save. After that, chances were few and far between for both teams and I don’t think there was a lack of effort or creative play.
“I thought both sides tried to play and pass it and it was competitive. But sometimes, you lock horns with a side and you just can’t get the better of one and other. That was the case today.
“But we are playing well and it is another point to where we want to be. It was a good performance.
“Particularly, I thought we played well in midfield. They came with a game plan to try and tried to stifle that area.
“But it is a different part of our team to stifle because it is a good part.”
Ahead of game, reports emanated that Mirco Antenucci has been the subject of interest from Norwich City, with Redfearn stressing he wants to keep the Italian.
He added: “There’s gong to be interest in our players because they are playing well.
“But Antenucci is part of what we are doing. He came today, to be fair in a position not natural to him and he gave us a bit of a lift.”
LEEDS UNITED head coach Neil Redfearn professed satisfaction with his side’s efforts against in-form Nottingham Forest and labelled the 0-0 draw as a ‘good point’ - despite drawing a blank in front of goal.
United’s best crowd of the season witnessed a largely frustrating stalemate against two of the division’s form sides, with Forest heading into the game on the back of six victories from their previous eight games.
Leeds themselves headed into the game following victories over Wigan and Ipswich, but couldn’t break down Forest’s rearguard, although Redfearn felt his youthful side delivered another sound performance against a strong and experienced Championship rival.
Redfearn, who confirmed that the injured duo of Sam Byram and Rudy Austin are unlikely to be back for Wednesday’s game at Fulham, with Blackpool next weekend a more realistic return date, said: “It was a good point against a good side. It was frustrating at home, but we tried to our best to win it and changed it around and brought (Mirco) Antenucci and (Souleymane) Doukara on and went for it.
“But it just wasn’t to be.
“We just couldn’t find that edge or have that bit of luck to get in on goal and finish. But we defended well and worked hard as a team.
“I thought we played well, but I also thought Forest did. I thought we had the best chance in the game that fell to Charlie Taylor in the first half. He’s got to score, to be honest - it was in a good position on his left foot.
“But the keeper made a good save. After that, chances were few and far between for both teams and I don’t think there was a lack of effort or creative play.
“I thought both sides tried to play and pass it and it was competitive. But sometimes, you lock horns with a side and you just can’t get the better of one and other. That was the case today.
“But we are playing well and it is another point to where we want to be. It was a good performance.
“Particularly, I thought we played well in midfield. They came with a game plan to try and tried to stifle that area.
“But it is a different part of our team to stifle because it is a good part.”
Ahead of game, reports emanated that Mirco Antenucci has been the subject of interest from Norwich City, with Redfearn stressing he wants to keep the Italian.
He added: “There’s gong to be interest in our players because they are playing well.
“But Antenucci is part of what we are doing. He came today, to be fair in a position not natural to him and he gave us a bit of a lift.”