The improving team spirit and determination was there for all to see with a battling point despite having to play for the majority with ten men.

Wilson was stupidly sent off for unnecessarily getting involved with one of their players and pressing his head into him. Their player made the most of it but Wilson should have been concentrating on defending especially as we’d started so well in the opening fifteen minutes.

The win seemed as much down to Davies tactics and substitutions as the players. As the game progressed we seemed to have an answer for everything that they could create. He made numerous changes to cater for United’s obvious aerial tactics and it worked perfectly.

We look more street-wise now and stood up for ourselves in the face of the usual United tactics and dubious use of the ball boys.  Credit for this has to go to the manager.

Once Garner had switched to right midfield and Gunter back into left back we were set up to defend but still managed to create a couple of chances. Blackstock’s header was heading for the bottom corner but lacked pace whilst Morgan was denied a certain goal with one late clearance.

Sheffield United looked pretty one-dimensional with a constant stream of long balls aimed at the edge of our penalty area. Their best chances arrived from a succession of corners but Smith and Breckin did everything possible to keep Forest in the game.

With tiring legs in the second half, Davies made changes at regular intervals to keep the side as fresh as possible. Anderson, McGugan and McCleary all continued the good work as the home side looked increasingly desperate.

We had a few nervy moments late in the game, in the face of some very dubious decisions but held on. We even had one late chance from a McGugan free kick that ended up tamely over the bar.

Smith had an impressive afternoon with safe handling and good decision making. Only one nervy moment when he missed a cross and a few annoying mis-placed clearances but in Turner’s absence he has to maintain this performance now.

Chambers also came into the side from nowhere and also impressed.  Looked very solid throughout and justified his selection. Gunter made a succession of driving runs from left back and caused them problems with his desire to get forward. His best game for the club so far.

Morgan was back to his best after a dodgy game on Saturday but Breckin stood out with a string of towering headers from an endless stream of set pieces.

Osbourne and Cohen were dominant in midfield with a series of perfect tackles and precise passing. These two should be the first choice in the centre of midfield. MOTM Osbourne looks a different class in midfield and shows all of the qualities that Perch needs to improve in order to justify a place there. Cohen ran himself into the ground and could barely find the energy to leave the field. Perch made some great challenges but still lacks genuine ability on the ball, drops too deep and gives the ball away too often. Still contributed more than enough on this occasion though.

Blackstock worked hard for the game but his opportunities were always going to be limited after Wilson’s actions. Garner found himself covering at right midfield but did what was required and then filled in as the loan striker as legs tired.

Tags: MOTM Isaiah Osbourne, Games Drawn