As Nottingham Forest defeated Derby County 2-1 at the City Ground, Brice Samba comfortably etched his name into City Ground folklore.

In truth, the goalkeeper was given a relatively easy afternoon in terms of keeping a toothless Rams side at bay.

Samba will get credit for his antics, whether you agree with them or not.

It was hard to imagine the Congolese stopper coming back out for the second half. A clash with Tom Lawrence had left him nursing a lump on his head that looked akin to a tennis ball underneath the skin on his forehead.

Forest Samba
(Photo; Jon Hobley; MI News; NurPhoto; Getty Images)

Samba was never going to go off. Some supporters thought that with football taking extra precautions with concussion protocols, the decision might be taken out of his hands, however.

Sporting a snazzy Terry Butcher style bandage, Samba did emerge for the second 45.

During that period he set about helping Forest preserve the lead after Lewis Grabban scored just after the half-time interval.

He picked up a yellow card for barging Lawrence into the net after he’d reduced Derby’s deficit and largely did his best to get in the heads of Forest’s rivals.

Some might call it unsporting. Other teams do it though and when it’s your own goalkeeper getting amongst it, it’s largely amusing.

Cult hero: Samba is a firm Forest fan favourite

There is one video doing the rounds from Saturday which shows Samba at his best. With the game heading towards a Forest win, the 27-year-old was seen removing grass from close to the ball, delaying a free-kick just outside of his box.

It was a simple; yet effective ploy to run the clock down by a few more precious seconds.

There was another moment too. Just after Ravel Morrison had been dismissed Samba was goading the former Manchester United man with his arms strapped behind his back. It’s fair to say the midfielder didn’t look best impressed.

Forest Samba
(Photo; Tony Marshall; Getty Images)
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Some supporters have criticised his goalkeeper previously. Since Steve Cooper came to the club, however, there have been no doubting his ability.

Samba had very little to do against the Rams in terms of goalkeeping. His antics, on the other hand, have placed him firmly into Forest folklore.

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