---
title: "Dean Smith “devastated” after remarkable draw with Nottingham Forest"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2018/11/29/dean-smith-devastated-after-remarkable-draw-with-nottingham-forest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2018-11-29T07:56:47Z"
modified: "2018-11-29T07:56:47Z"
---

# Dean Smith “devastated” after remarkable draw with Nottingham Forest

Dean Smith admitted he was “devastated” for his players after their incredible 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

One of the all-time great Championship encounters took place at Villa Park, with both sides eventually settling for a share of the spoils.

It looked as though Villa were going to secure a famous 5-4 victory over their opponents, only for Lewis Grabban’s late effort to earn the visitors a point.

Speaking to the *[Express & Star](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2018/11/28/dean-smith-devastated-for-aston-villa-players/)*after the game, Smith couldn’t contain his disappointment at not winning:

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/11/1066205286.jpg)

> I’m devastated for the players. To come back so many times and then at 5-4 you are thinking we are going to go on and win it.

> On top of that, we have also missed some very good chances. Tammy has missed a couple of headers, we had two disallowed goals as well.

> It’s total disappointment. I always felt in control of the game and I know that sounds weird. We’ve had 26 attempts on goal today, against their eight. Our goalkeeper has not made a save.

> I’m devastated for the players and disappointed it is not another three points at Villa Park.

> But the appreciation from the home fans at the end shows they can see what we are trying to do. We just need to tighten up a bit.

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/11/1066214904.jpg)

The draw leaves Villa eighth in the Championship – two place and three points behind Forest.

Hopefully Grabban’s late strike won’t prove crucial come the end of the season, as Smith’s men seek promotion back to the Premier League.