Nottingham Forest returned to action after the international break knowing defeat at Barnsley could end their chances of survival in the Championship this season.

Following the signing of Dexter Blackstock, manager Billy Davies was forced in to leaving out two of his loan signings as the Football League permits clubs to a maximum of five loan players in any match day squad. Paul Anderson and Gary McSheffrey were the unlucky duo as Isaiah Osbourne returned to the side after injury. Blackstock made his debut alongside Rob Earnshaw in attack.

In what was to be a fast, frenetic, end to end game Forest had the better of the first period although chances were few a far between. Osbourne’s run and cross almost played in Earnshaw whilst Nathan Tyson’s pace on the left caused the home side problems. Barnsley eventually came into things but a Jon Macken shot on the turn ended with the ball sent flying into the 3500 plus Reds following behind the goal.

The game opened up even more after half time and as has been the case on more than one occasion this season, Forest conceded early after the re-start. A long throw in from the right wasn’t properly dealt with resulting in Jamal Campbell-Ryce heading home from 8 yards out.

The Reds responded well to falling behind and had chances to equalise. The best of these fell to Earnshaw whose thumping shot from 10 yards smashed against the cross bar and to safety.

After surviving the Earnshaw chance, the Tykes were then handed the opportunity to extend their lead when Wes Morgan tripped midfielder Andranik in the box but, after much deliberation over the penalty taker keeper Iain Turner saved Campbell-Ryce’s poor spot kick.

The Reds, boosted by Turner’s save went in search of a much needed equaliser. After good work by Osbourne out right the Villa loanee squared for Earnshaw to turn home and level the scores at 1-1.

In the final third of the game both teams went in search of the winner and in truth either side could have snatched all three points. Turner saved Anderson De Silva’s fine shot and after a mistake by Morgan the Forest keeper denied Michael Mifsud whose poor touch cost the former Coventry man an attempt on goal. At the other end sub Gareth McCleary’s excellent run and cross somehow evaded Blackstock and Earnshaw, Chris Cohen wasted a decent opening after good work near the touchline before Nathan Tyson shot straight at Barnsley keeper Heinz Muller.

In fairness a draw was probably a fair result. If the Reds can win their remaining home games they may look back on this result as a point gained. However, defeat against Bristol City on Saturday is unthinkable.

Forest: Turner, Gunter, Wilson, Morgan, Lynch, Tyson (Chambers 89), McGugan (McCleary 61), Osbourne, Cohen, Earnshaw, Blackstock.

MOM: Isaiah Osbourne