Football: Forest rise off bottom

Nottingham Forest. . .2

Oldham Athletic. . . .0

THEY said they were too good to be bottom and now they no longer are. This was a six-pointer if ever there was one and by winning it Forest exchange places with Oldham, so lifting themselves off bottom place in the Premier League for the first time since late August.

The question is, for how long? Oldham have the least solid defence in the league and yet Forest needed help in scoring both their goals. Indeed, before Ian Woan drilled home his and Forest's second, Oldham were looking likely to get one back. Forest will need to perform much more effectively than this if they are to survive.

When they took the lead after 15 minutes it was after Paul Gerrard, failing to clear Roy Keane's cross cleanly, knocked the ball straight to Woan's feet eight yards out. Moments earlier, only a stunning save at the other end prevented Neil Adams putting Oldham ahead.

With Neil Webb anonymous in midfield, Forest did not produce much more save for a couple of Keane breaks that came to nothing. Oldham were clearly confident that they could turn the game round and swapped a defender, Neil Pointon, for an attacker, Andy Ritchie, at half-time.

With Ritchie shooting narrowly over and then Roger Palmer directing a diving header against the post before Forest could mount a second-half attack, the switch looked likely to pay off. But Oldham stretched themselves too much at the back and when, immediately after Palmer's near miss, Woan produced a superb finish to a breakaway down the left, the visitors seemed to lose heart.

Joe Royle, the Oldham manager, believed his side had two clear penalties refused and felt there was an element of offside about both Forest goals. His disappointment was understandable but his comments ill-advised. 'I think there is a willingness in the football fraternity to see Forest get out of trouble and maybe that extends to the officials too, although perhaps to say that is a bit naughty.' Too right.

Nottingham Forest: M Crossley; B Laws, B Williams, S Chettle, C Tiler, R Keane, G Bannister, S Gemmill, N Clough, N Webb, I Woan. Subs not used: G Crosby, A Marriott (gk), T Orlygsson. Manager: B Clough.

Oldham Athletic: P Gerrard; G Halle, N Pointon (A Ritchie, 45 min), C Fleming, R Jobson, I Marshall, R Palmer, I Olney, M Brennan, M Milligan, N Adams. Subs not used: I Gray (gk), N Tolson. Manager: J Royle.

Referee: P Don (Middlesex).

Goals: Woan (1-0, 15 min); Woan (2-0, 58 min).