McGovern double beats Coventry
On this day in Nottingham Forest history in 1979 Forest beat Coventry City early in their season as European champions.
Nottingham Forest continued their early-season work as European champions with a 4-1 First Division win over Coventry City at the City Ground.
The performance had more attacking edge than the narrow Stoke win a few days earlier. Brian Clough’s side were already carrying the authority of champions, and Coventry were put under pressure by a team with goals spread through key areas.
Tony Woodcock opened the scoring before John McGovern made it 2-0 before half-time. Coventry pulled one back through Tommy English just after the interval, but Forest quickly reasserted control.
McGovern scored again in the second half, and John Robertson completed the scoring from the penalty spot. The captain’s double gave the match its clearest individual stamp.
The win reinforced Forest’s strength at the start of another demanding season. Domestic consistency and European ambition had to run together, and this 4-1 victory showed the champions still had rhythm, depth and confidence at the City Ground.
Sources
11v11; London Hearts; The City Ground
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