Teenage goalkeeper Barry Roche became a Nottingham Forest cult hero yesterday. The Irish u18 international came off the bench in the 90th minute to replace the sent-off Dave Beasant and his first job in League football was to face a penalty.

Forest were cruising to an easy win at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace. They led 3-0 at the break but then went asleep in the second half and Palace cut the deficit to a single goal.

As the game moved into injury time Dave Beasant brought down Fan Zhiyi and was red-carded. Manager David Platt sacrificed Lester and brought in Roche for his league debut.

Roche faced up to the penalty and it was smashed past him - but the referee cancelled it out for encroachment and it had to be taken again. Roche's time had come and he made a spectacular save from Julian Gray to earn all three points for his team.

Roche should be in Germany with the u18 squad but he was pulled out by David Platt at the last minute. Platt must be delighted with his decision.