Nottingham Forest 2 Scunthorpe United 0

Last updated : 25 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Nottingham Forest progressed through to the second round of the Carling Cup after an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Scunthorpe United.

The home side were unable to justify the two division gap between themselves and the visiting side, who looked well capable of coming out of the game with more than they actually did.

Forest's front line of three including David Johnson, Gareth Taylor and Marlon King were struggling to find their way through United's defence with Forest's first chance coming after 16 minutes when Johnson was unable to find enough power to trouble Paul Musselwhite in visitors goal.

It took 34 minutes for the players in Red to find the target and open the score. A free-kick taken by Paul Evans from the right was watched by Scunthorpe's defenders and Gareth Taylor slotted the ball home from just three yards to give his side the lead.

The away side came out for the second half destined to turn things around and were denied a penalty after 49 minutes when Andy Parton appeared to be pushed by Mathieu Louis-Jean in the box but referee Wright was unimpressed.

As the away side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Forest's attack was presented with plenty of space and King made sure that Forest qualified to be in the draw for the second round of the Carling Cup.

Johnson had only the Scunthorpe keeper to beat after Evans put him through but the Forest striker's looping shot cannoned of the crossbar and King was left unmarked to hammer the ball into the empty net from just six yards out.

Scunthorpe never looked the weaker team throughout the game and the away supporters were left cruising their luck after an inspired performance from their side which threatened the Forest back four on a number of occasions.