AMSTERDAM – A strong outing from Eric Lichaj went to waste as 10-man Nottingham Forest dropped a 3-1 home decision against Championship visitors Watford.
The US defender, who switched over to left back for this contest, was nearly the author of a stunning goal with his side down one in the 39th minute. Lichaj ran full steam onto a volley at the corner of the Watford area, only to have the shot take a small deflection off a defender and buzz wide of the post.
After the Hornets doubled their lead a mere moment later, Lichaj and left winger Michail Antonio led a break that ended with Gary Gardner robbed by Watford netminder Gomes.
Forest were left shorthanded at the hour by Kelvin Wilson's ejection, but they would finally get on the board 12 minutes later, also with the direct involvement of Lichaj. The American was tripped up outside the area, and Gardner stepped up to bury the resulting free kick.
For the night, Lichaj also pitched in with five interceptions, three tackles, one smothered cross and an shot block in the area. As for Forest, a third straight home loss knocked them down a rung to 10th place.
