Patrick Bamford started his career at Nottingham Forest and he might have given them a huge survival lifeline.
The Leeds striker missed an absolute sitter in the 90th minute last night as the Whites drew with Leicester.
The result keeps Javi Gracia’s team within touching distance of the Reds in the fight for survival.
Had Bamford tucked away his late chance, they would have moved five points clear of Forest in the Premier League.
Instead, it means that a win for the Reds this evening could see them draw level with the Whites on 30 points.
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It does seem as though the battle to survive will go to the wire. With no wins in 11, Forest have to arrest their current slide as a matter of urgency.
Bamford has struggled for goals this season. With this level of finishing, that doesn’t come as a particular surprise.
He’s found the net just three times in the Premier League this season, with a further two goals coming in the FA Cup.
The 29-year-old began his career at Forest before moving to Chelsea for around £2 million.
He failed to make a first-team appearance for the Blues and played for a number of clubs on loan before moving to Middlesbrough.
In 2018, he signed for Leeds in a deal worth £10 million and he’s scored 50 goals in 147 appearances for the club.
He has had good moments. In April 2021, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called him ‘exceptional’ after a performance against his side.
Bamford might have given Forest a huge lifeline
The striker was mortified by this miss. Forest breathed a huge sigh of relief when he scuffed his effort and it could be a huge moment.
It looked harder not to score. After a near post flick on from a corner, Bamford found himself in acres at the back post with the goal gaping.
Instead of sending Elland Road into raptures, he put the ball wide after royally fluffing his attempt at a finish.
Bamford remains a Forest fan. He was extremely close to the late Nigel Doughty and inadvertently he might have helped the Reds.
Steve Cooper’s men have to stop relying on others, however. With that in mind, they must use last night’s draw between Leeds and Leicester as motivation to claim a huge win.