Blades Cut Down Forest, Again!

Last updated : 16 March 2011 By @blades_mad1889

The first team had already beaten Nottingham Forest (2-1) at Bramall Lane in the npower Championship a week prior to their totesport.com league clash which was to be played at Ilkeston Town.

The Blades fielded a squad consisting of many first team based players as coach Mark Smith aims to catch up with league leaders Rotherham United and aren’t far behind the Millers.

United lost defender Matt Lowton early on due to a slight knee injury and is hoped not to be too serious and was forced to be replaced by Phil Roe.

But the visitors soon took hold of the game and soon found themselves taking the lead, Marcus Bent finishing after a well worked move involving Rob Kozluk and Jean Calvé.

Argentine defender Elian Parrino came close to doubling their lead midway through the first half as the Blades dominated against a youthful Forest as he headed wide of the mark following a right wing corner.

But on 32 minutes the goal was there; Erik Tonne netting his first in Red and White colours, antiquate passing with Philliskirk and Bent freed McAllister who fed Tonne to find the back of the net.

With a two goal advantage the game was relatively safe, but the Blades pressed forward in the second half and on 66 minutes extended their lead through Frenchman Jean Calvé – his pinpoint free-kick flew past Gathercole in the Forest net.

Bamford came close late on for the hosts as they looked for a consolation goal whilst Parrino blocked Morgan’s efforts to ensure a clean sheet.

Coach Mark Smith said on the win "It is another victory which is pleasing and it keeps us right up there in the table. Forest had a young side out but we can only beat what is put in front of us and we did that pretty comfortably.

"All in all it was a good workout which allowed the likes of Rob Kozluk and Marcus Bent the chance to get ninety minutes under their belts, whilst the young players will only improve with games so it was a good exercise for us in that respect.

"We perhaps could have been a bit better on the ball because at times we rushed in possession and gave the ball away but that is something we can work on in the coming weeks."

Forest: Gathercole, Kay, Osborn, Morgan, Andrews (Hollingsworth 56), Benjamin, Papworth, Artymatas, Bamford, Swindell (Laifis 59), Reynor. Unused: Furlong, Markey, Gnahore, Kamaneno.

Blades: Thomas, Lowton (Roe 5), Kozluk, James, Ertl (Chapell 74), Parrino, Calve, McAllister, Bent, Tonne, Philliskirk (Warren 67). Unused: Lokberg, Duberry.