After a promising start to life in the Championship, Forest made the trip to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday knowing they would have to improve drastically on the performance produced in the corresponding fixture a year ago to have any chance of reward against the League One Champions.

With attacking options again at a premium, new boy Lee Martin came in for a league debut replacing Arron Davies in the only change from last Sunday’s goal less draw against Reading.

As expected Swansea flew out of the traps looking to make up for last weeks disappointment of a 2-0 defeat at Charlton as Forest struggled to get out of their own half in the early stages. The Swans were looking particularly dangerous down both flanks with Chambers and Bennett being given a torrid time by Tom Butler and Leon Britton.

Having completely dominated the early part of the game the inevitable opening goal followed on 9 minutes when, after another mazy run from Leon Britton, the Swans man sent a sizzling shot against the post before the ball bounced back somewhat cruelly off Smith and into the net to give the home side a fortunate albeit deserved lead.

The Swans continued to push with Forest looking ragged in all departments. Only a couple of decent saves from Smith kept the score down as Forest time after time gave away possession in their own half.

With certain sections of the away support already on their teams back, Forest showed great character towards the end of the first half and despite having been second best for much of the period, a bit of magic from loan star Martin saw the Man Utd man cross from the right for Perch to stretch out a leg and steer into an empty net.

Having perhaps been somewhat lucky to go into the interval on level terms, Forest started the 2^nd half as Swansea had the first in making the early running. Earnshaw missed a great chance to open his league account for the club when blasting wide from close range after Swansea has failed to clear a free kick from the left.

The miss was to prove costly as with around 20 minutes left and the game seemingly heading for yet another Liberty Stadium stalemate, Swansea were awarded a penalty when Butler was tripped (much to the derision of Calderwood) by one of 3 or 4 Forest defenders chasing him. Although Ferrie Bodde’s spot kick was initially saved by Smith, the Swans midfielder easily stroked home the rebound with the Reds keeper again helpless on the floor.

With time beginning to run out, boss Calderwood rung the changes although the decision to take Cohen off was a surprise with the ex-Yeovil man looking as likely as anyone to forge a hole in the Swansea rearguard. Martin saw another mazy run and dribble end with a superb save by De Vries with the ball seemingly heading for the corner of the net.

A swift counter attack lead by Mark Gower saw the ex-Southend man cross for Spanish substitute Pintado to brilliantly flick into the far corner to finish the game as a contest with Forest caught short in pushing forward for an illusive equaliser.

Despite a disappointing result Reds fans have cause for hope but away form is bound to be a worry with tough trips to come. Wolves away in 2 weeks time will be one hell of a test.

MOTM: Smith - Kept the score down in the first half. Unlucky with the first goal and penalty save. No chance with the 3rd.

(4-3-3) Smith, Chambers, Wilson, Morgan, Bennett, Perch, McGugan, Cohen (McCleary 80), Moussi (Newbold 87), Martin, Earnshaw.
Subs Not Used: Roberts, Breckin, Thornhill.

Booked: Moussi, Bennett.

Goals: Perch 35.

Att: 16,611

Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).