CHRIS FORRESTER SPARKLED as Peterborough put in a valiant display in their FA Cup Fourth Round replay against West Bromwich, before eventually losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
The League One outfit took the lead on 55 minutes through Jon Taylor’s low left-footer though Darren Fletcher levelled twenty minutes from time with a superbly-controlled half-volley from inside the area.
After a nervy extra-time, Posh’s Martin Samuelson and Fletcher both missed kicks and then, with the pressure on, Lee Angol saw his effort saved by Ben Foster to give the Baggies the win and set up a 5th Round tie against Reading.
With James McClean included in the West Brom starting XI, there was substantial Irish interest though 23-year-old Forrester, formerly of Bohemians and St. Patrick’s Athletic, dazzled in the first half particularly.
On the BBC’s live coverage of the game, guest Jack Collison had already complimented the young midfielder before kick-off but the channel’s half-time analysis focused on Forrester again with Gary Lineker and his guests – Alan Shearer, Kevin Kilbane and Jack Collison, all suitably impressed with the midfielder.
“He’s got a delightful touch. He looks very comfortable”, said Lineker.
“Nothing seems to faze him”, Collison replied.
He’s just very relaxed on the ball and he really makes the boys tick. You can see he’s real quality and not scared to have a go. He’s been fantastic and I’m sure he’s going to go on and play at a much higher level.”
Kilbane pointed out his exploits in the League of Ireland too.
“He’s got a decent goalscoring record in the League of Ireland. He’s 23, he’s established himself in Ireland and he’s come over to England to go and progress. He’s certainly impressive and what I like about him is his forward passing.”
After pointing out Forrester’s dynamic with Samuelson, Shearer drew the following conclusion.
“They’ve not been scared to get it and that’s the sign of a good player. They’re enjoying the occasion We’ve all been sat here and been impressed with the both of them.”
