And while it may have been light years away from the sublime standards set by Brian Clough, few would complain if by May, Forest have finally escaped from the wilderness of the third tier of English football to create some optimism in the moribund Midlands. Jack Lester, Neil Harris — with his first goal in over 18 months at the club — a Grant Holt penalty and a sublime effort from Nicky Southall secured Calderwood his fifth victory since his appointment in July and the portents are promising for a promotion challenge.
Calderwood has opted to avoid the annual squad revamp that has been carried out every summer in an attempt to revive the former European Cup winners, though Junior Agogo, a £125,000 signing from Bristol Rovers, was recruited before the transfer deadline. But Agogo had to be content with watching from the bench as Chesterfield proved to be the typically frustrating, industrious opponents that Forest have become accustomed to since their demotion to the third tier.
It was not until the 20th minute that Forest carved out their first chance, midfielder James Perch arrowing a fierce drive inches wide of the post. The visitors replied almost immediately, Forest keeper Paul Smith producing a fine save to deny Kevan Hurst’s long-range effort.
Forest took the lead 10 minutes before half-time. Julian Bennett headed a clearance back into the area and Harris helped the ball into the path of Lester, who could not miss. But Calderwood, prowling the touchline constantly, needed to shuffle uncomfortably again soon after as Smith impressively kept out Colin Larkin’s header and then Mark Allott drove narrowly wide. Chesterfield’s profligacy was punished in stoppage time when Harris emphatically drove in a second after suspect defending. Their lead was extended three minutes after the interval when Allott needlessly dragged down Grant Holt in the area, the striker dispatching his fourth goal of the season from the spot. Agogo was introduced with 22 minutes remaining and his touch on the edge of the area enabled Southall to curl an exquisite shot past Barry Roche. Mexican waves abounded towards the end — easily pleased these days.
Star Man: Nicky Southall (Nottingham Forest)
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Player ratings. Nottingham Forest: Smith 7, Breckin 7, Cullip 6, Curtis 6 (Morgan 77min, 5), Bennett 6, Gary Holt 7, Southall 8, Perch 6, Lester 7 (Agogo 68min, 6), Harris 6 (Thompson 83min, 4), Grant Holt 7
Chesterfield: Roche 6, Hazell 6, O’Hare 6, Downes 6, Picken 5, Niven 5, Hurst 6 (A Smith 64min, 5), Allott 6, Hall 5, Folan 5, Larkin 6
Scorers: Nottingham Forest: Lester 34, Harris 45, Holt 48 pen, Southall 68
Referee: N Miller
Attendance: 19,480