After disposing of Aston Villa and Fulham, the Blades had to come from behind after Jamie Paterson’s flicked header against the run of play but deservedly levelled after Connor Coady capitalised on Dorus de Vries’ howler. With the game in the balance and chances at either end, a handball on Greg Halford was spotted by referee Michael Oliver and Chris Porter kept his composure right at the death to send the Lane into raptures. After a mini pitch invasion was finally cleared there was six minutes of stoppage time but United incredibly broke again and the superb Murphy squared for Porter to prod home.
With the prospect of an all Sheffield quarter final on the horizon now; and at the least the lowest side they have faced for rounds at the very least the Blades can look forward to a real opportunity of a semi final and a trip to Wembley.
It was a superb cup tie with tackles, booking, chances and saves at both ends but United will feel ultimately for their tenacity and skilful football that they edged it and if any team deserved the victory it was the home side although Mark Howard made a trio of timely saves in the second half amongst United’s strong efforts.
The game was deemed fit to go ahead after the pitch had been covered in the days leading up to the contest and in truth it looked remarkably decent all things considering even though large areas were very barren and more mud than grass.
United brought back Michael Doyle into the starting line up fortunate Steven McGinn who had played well a week prior in the win against Shrewsbury.
Forest started with all three former Blades; Greg Halford, Andy Reid and Darius Henderson. They had a few players out injured but still boasted a talent packed side and a long unbeaten record showed what a tough proposition they were going to be.
After a minutes silence for Tom Finney, the Blades began kicking towards the large Forest contingent massed behind the Bramall Lane end.
The opening spell was very cat and mouse as United kept a solid base of 5 in midfield and tried to ensure that they did not give anything away. Majewski nearly got in but was saw off from an excellent tackle from Coady before United had the first chances as Brayford hit a weak left footed shot and then Baxter did likewise with his right as de Vries saves twice. Murphy then beat Halford but his cross was deflected wide for a corner before Baxter robbed Reid and had a shot with more power but again the keeper saved.
Lascelles poor foul led to an expected booking as Baxter picked himself up off the turf and then Halford somehow escaped a caution for an equally poor foul on Murphy as the referee played an advantage.
United had began well but Maguire had to see off Cox with some appeals for a penalty and then Halford fired well over when well placed as Forest offered a riposte. United had been the better side though and had more chances but Forest’s first effort on goal it was the opener.
Murphy’s ball gave Doyle little chance and Forest stole possession and advanced forward before switching play down the left hand side. A cross came in from Reid and PATERSON managed to get into the box and before Maguire and Collins could react, he darted to the near post and angled a flicked header up and away from Howard into the far corner of the goal. It was a well made goal and a real setback for United who had been the better side. In truth it was the first real chance that Forest had created all game.
United tried to respond with Collins heading off target and then Baxter played in Scougall who was suddenly in on goal but his shot lacked power and was saved full stretch from the keeper. Forest then had a spell of relative control before the break as they sought to see out any comeback and had a good spell of possession with Reid at the heart of everything and Paterson causing issues as he drifted along the forward line.
After the break United received their first booking as Harris wildly hacked at Cox. United won two corners and Maguire header was blocked before Scougall hit a shot that was well saved low down. Forest were having more of the ball in the United half than the first half and Reid was now enjoying play in a more attacking area. Reid fed Paterson who came inside and hit a fierce shot that Howard beat away before Cox tried a curler that the keeper did well to save again as Forest looked to double their advantage.
United still looked dangerous and Scougall ran unchecked past two men before feeding Murphy who made de Vries make another save. United were trying to get men forward at every chance but were struggling to get support up to Baxter. However with the dangerous Murphy they still looked like they could get chances.
When the goal came it was from the other flank. Flynn was involved and as the ball came in from Brayford; de Vries seemed to have it but incredulously dropped it and COADY reacted quickest to nick it away and then the ball ricocheted so he had the ball right in front of goal and could fire into an open goal. The goal scorer wheeled away in celebrations at the Kop end.
It was now game on but straight after a bad tackle by Maguire led to a booking and Reid who had drew the foul took a lovely free kick from the edge of the box but Howard managed to just turn over from right under his bar. It was a good save from the keeper who had been having an excellent day. Collins then joined his centre back partner in the book for hauling back Cox as the referee tried to play advantage. Halford should have done better but headed over. Reid then tried his luck but was off target as Forest like United really did not need a replay.
Next it was United on the attack as this pulsating contest showed no sign of abating. Flynn was fed by the rampaging Scougall but the winger’s shot was pushed away by de Vries.
It was now end to end as Murphy once again ran at Forest, this time down the right as he had moved central with Baxter going down the left but his deflected effort was scrambled over by de Vries.
The tiring Baxter came off for Porter with 5 minutes to play as the game seemed like it could really go either way but the fans could not have foreseen the drama to end it. As the game entered the final minute Murphy once again drove deep into Forest territory and his cross seemed to be handled on the floor by Halford. Loud appeals went up from the ground and after an almost cricket umpire style delay referee Oliver blew the whistle and pointed with real certainty to the spot!
PORTER took the ball and after long delays as the ground held their breath, the substitute stepped up and cooly sent the keeper the wrong way. Some fans poured onto the pitch and worryingly flares were sent off from the far end of the South Stand after the goal went in.
As Forest kicked off referee Oliver signalled there would still be another 6 minutes of stoppage time for United to hang on as McGinn came on for Coady.
However as Forest chucked men forward, United broke again and Murphy ran at Halford and somehow kept the ball in play before squaring for the waiting PORTER to prod in. Manager Clough leapt off the bench and punched the air to signal the importance of the win both the club and him personally. The ground went berserk although worrying some fans took their celebrations a bit too far again by coming onto the pitch.
The final moments saw United have further half chances to score again as Forest now looked a side that was well beaten. Hill replaced Harris at the death but the game was now over as a contest. The final whistle saw jubilant scenes on and off the pitch as United celebrated another giant killing and a tremendous come from behind victory.
United – It was another very good performance and like the Villa and Fulham games, we were well organised and defended well but also broke exceptionally well at times and played some lively football. We had a lot of chances and it was a travesty we were behind at the break. I felt we were the better side and had created far more. Oddly Forest had their best spell and a few chances after the break before we then scored. They then had a few other chances but so did we and it was anyone’s game really. I just felt we could maybe nick it on the break and so it proved. The winner came from a penalty but having seen it back it was a clear penalty (he handballed it twice) and then we scored another right at the death.
It was a performance full of guts, spirit and for the first time for what seems like ages we came back from behind and won a game (in any competition). I felt we started the game ok and did not let them have many chances at all and we had a few half chances via Baxter and Murphy but then they scored against the run of play. After this we came again and had another few chances but they then had a spell either side of the half and had a few decent chances second half when Howard made saves. Despite this we kept our shape and composure and did not go mad (throwing men forward) and eventually we took advantage of a mistake. After this it was anyones game. They had a Reid effort and a Halford header. We had Murphy have a few chances and a few breaks but it really could have gone either way but we kept plugging away and won the penalty and then finished the game very strong. Great to see despite so many games finally we seem to be getting fitter and it is showing with late goals in recent games. This was a hall mark of some of the better United sides and pleasingly seems to be coming back into our play after not seeing it for years.
We did play some neat football and with the likes of Brayford, Flynn, Scougall and Murphy playing some neat stuff we showed we are not the side many Forest fans expected (big and direct many said pre match on forums – they were bigger and more direct than us at times I would counter and the hacks and fouls they matched if not bettered).
Surely if we play like that in the league games to come we will get enough points to move away. My concern is fatigue etc but even with that we can still rotate 4 or 5 off the bench and ensure we keep legs fresh enough (eg McGinn, Coady, Scougall and Doyle in midfield). We do need another striker (crying out for pace up there) as we still look a little punchless in last third for me but at least now we do seem to be scoring goals and with Howard being quite influential and the two new full backs seem better at the back. We need to win at least one; maybe 4 points from the next two really before we have two further away games. We need a result in the league away as we seem to have been poor in this regard and Wednesday is a vital game.
As for the cup; we now play the other lowest ranked team (whoever that may be). I would prefer Charlton but think it will be Wednesday. I don’t think either side or great but having home advantage then we have a great chance. I certainly do not fear them one bit – they are much poorer side than any of the other three we have beat so if we play like we have done in those game we can win and get to the semi final. It will be quite an occasion and we need similar performances to those today but with 25,000 Blades behind us we can do it I am sure of that.
Forest – Thought they looked better than Fulham and Villa in the other cup games we have played and had more quality (daft as that seems). I felt they had 2 excellent players in the lively Paterson and also Reid who still is a class act on the ball (some super crosses and runs). However they also looked big and clumsy and the two centre backs in particular looked ripe to turn. We had a great deal of joy down the left where Halford had a poor game (always felt he was a better forward; right side of midfield or even centre forward than defender – never seems to want to defend). We also made sure their forward did not do much and besides the two aforementioned who had a few efforts cannot remember the dangerous Cox or Henderson (who was really poor and looked a bit of a cart horse) having any efforts at all.
They threw on other players and Mackie had an effort and they showed more quality in the last third as we tried to get back into it. However the game became very stretched and equally we could have scored a few on breakaways too. They are a big, strong and powerful side and you can see why they will beat many teams due to this but they were far from convincing today and would have been fortunate to win for me.
You look at their squad and you realise the difference between the teams in quality but also quantity (or should be). They have 2 or 3 players for every position and they have quite a few injuries but still have a wealth of attacking threats with likes of Mackie, Henderson, Derbyshire, Cox etc.
Do not like Billy Davies one bit. He comes across very Warnock-esque but without the comedy! He actually is extremely dour and is also very one sighted in opinions of games/referees but if he was your manager, like Warnock, you would like him in most cases as he defends his team/club and is passionate about what he does.
He rants and raves in the technical area and jumps up and down when he does not get decisions (so does Clough mind and the clash between those two was nearly as good as the game – a few confrontations and words exchanged). Despite my dislike for him he is a very good manager as Forest’s upturn since he returned and recent unbeaten run proves. Would not surprise me if they pipped Burnley and QPR for second place despite not looking that great today.
Davies’ assertion that they were in complete control in the first half is utter nonsense. They had some semblance of control after they scored but we had all the chances and Scougall should have levelled. How can he say they dominated is just nonsense when we had been the better side up to when they had scored. After the break they had more chances to be fair and could have got a second but we had chances too. It was still anyone games and I never felt any side had total control in what was a fairly even contest.
Today I felt they would be a touch too strong and with forward options and confidence of such a long unbeaten run but we really rolled our sleeves up and gave them a real game and in the end they were the ones who lost their cool and the game.
Howard 8.5/10 – Caught quite a few corners and crosses and then hesitated on a few that flew across his area (although to be fair most were Reid’s superb crosses) but he made 2 great saves from reflex efforts and then an even better save from Reid’s free kick. The defence overall looked a lot more commanding than it has done and even though a few crosses missed everyone, he still looked like he could take crosses and get the defence out a lot more than Long does. Only real negative was his kicking which was a real mixed bad. Sometimes he kicks it so high but it barely reaches half way where on other occasions he just kicked it out.
Brayford 7.5/10 – Thought it was one of poorest games he has had for us but he was still good and got stronger as the game went on after a shaky start. He actually struggled at times with the very dangerous Paterson who came inside and drifted off him. His play going forward remained strong as he overlapped when he could and put in some decent crosses with some so so crosses. He does have incredible energy and his fitness levels are something for someone who had not been playing first team football. Got better and better as the game went on and always an outlet down the right.
Harris 7/10 – He was alright defensively for most of the game making some good tackles and interceptions but he also had a few poor moments as he sliced/miskicked a few away. A wild tackle (it was not his first and the one he committed was a horrible one) led to a yellow card. Not totally convinced me yet but I think with more games he will get quicker to the ball more.
Collins 7.5/10 – Overall he was decent. Strong at times with some good headers/tackles and reads of the game but he also had a few sloppy moments where he hesitated that led to corners or almost letting them in. A bad 5-10 minutes in the second half with one spell of poor clearances/decisions apart, he contributed to a good defensive performance with most of their chances coming from distance.
Maguire 8/10 – Excellent. Very strong game. Yes had a few ale house clearances but solid as a rock defensively and I felt barely gave Henderson a kick such was his dominance. One moment in the second half summed it up when he simply brushed the strong Henderson aside and moved up field. He seems to excel in the bigger games.
Coady 7.5/10 – Thought he did a job for the side with some interceptions and kept it nice and simple when he had it. Did not try anything too adventurous but I did not mind that in that he played way he was facing and just ensured we kept possession. Was in the right spot to score the vital leveller when the robbed the keeper and showed tenacity to come out with the ball and then tap in. Ended up playing more advanced at the end of the game as we tried to win it. Needs to build on this game.
Doyle 7/10 –.Like Coady did a job for the side. He was more defensive but he got in the right place to block shots, stop through balls and ensure we kept a solid shape. He put a few poor balls outs but overall he was good today as most were. He just kept his discipline and ensured they had to put in great balls to create chances as they did not cut us open and save a spell in the second half I cannot remember them hurting us massively in the last third. They had most of their play in front of us.
Murphy 9/10 – First half beat Halford a few times and then got squeezed out a few times but still looked a threat as he ran down the outside of him. Most of our half chances seemed to come through him and he got chopped down by Halford (who somehow escaped being booked after a long period of play after thus). Second half he was our main man again and ran and ran at the beleaguered Halford time and time again. He had a few efforts on goal and a number of runs forward. He contributed to both goals in lead up to penalty and also the winner with another superb run. He had a spell up top in closing stages as main striker but most of his main damage came down the left. Looks a different player from the one I wanted us to send back to Scotland. The only negative was it was him who gave the ball away or played a bad ball to Doyle in the build up to the Forest goal.
Flynn 7.5/10 – Not as dangerous as he has been in some cup games from an attacking point of view but still had a few decent runs and tried to always get the full back going the other way. His performance today was more workmanlike as he did a lot of the defensive stuff as he tried to stop Fox going the other way. His performances have improved so much since Clough took over and he will be key to us staying up.
Baxter 6.5/10 – Poorest he has been for us for a while although some of his performances recently have not been up to some of his earlier games for United. He was isolated up top and struggled with two big giants as there were some high balls up to him that gave him little chances but when he had the ball at times he was slow to react and got robbed quite a bit. He still was involved in some of our better openings first half as he had one good powerful shot saved and another weak effort from closer in before feeding Scougall with a run and pass. Second half I felt he did not really get involved much and thought he would go off long before he did and of course it worked out perfectly when Porter came on and scored twice.
Scougall 7.5/10 – Thought he was quite first half and gave the ball away quite a bit and got outmuscled. He did have one good chance when Baxter played him in but his shot lacked power and direction and was saved when he was right in on goal. In the second half he got stuck in more after the break and got amongst them. Had one of his now trademark runs forward that led to a chance for Murphy that was saved and generally just gave his all. Looks a cracking little player. He will have some up and down games as he is young but he is two footed, not afraid of getting into tackles and loves to carry the ball. All qualities we have lacked in recent years and he does look a real prospect.
Subs-
Porter – Was brought on and had barely touched the ball before he had to take the vital penalty. He showed real composure to put it in so convincingly and then after he added to it by getting in front of the defender to prod home. It was an incredible cameo and shut up those who have been moaning about him so much recently and for much of his spell (I have been one in recent times; so big well done from me for such a contribution).
McGinn – Came on for Coady after the second goal but we went straight down and scored before he even touched it.
Hill – Brought on for Harris to waste some more time at the end.
Manager rating – Clough 9/10 – As with the other cup games, set us up as hard to break down and beat and let the opponents have a lot of the ball but ensured that they were pressed when they came into the final third. I felt we got to our main threat Murphy who hurt them all game and we pressed well in midfield. Players rotated to cover when they could and although would have liked us tighter on Reid we chose to mark the other players and squeeze play when it came into that area and it worked mostly. First half they did not have a chance hardly apart from the goal. We did concede chance and areas second half but with tired legs and we needed to go forward to get a goal it was inevitable. We did well on set plays too considering they had a team of very tall players. Felt he had left the subs too late but what do I know as on came Porter and in little time had a huge impact!
Officials – Michael Oliver. It was not an easy game to referee. They were some poor tackles on a boggy pitch and with both managers clashing all game, it threatened to over spill. I will say I thought he did ok. He tried to let things go and play advantage a lot of the game. I cannot recall many awful decisions he made or certainly any he cot wrong that influenced the game. Maybe he could have booked more (how did Halford not get booked for that tackle on Murphy – maybe game had gone on too long which saved him – although he had a word). The lad Lascelles was booked for his third chop on Baxter and then Reid for basically dissent as he did not go to him for a word (was asked three times) right on half time.
The penalty to me having seen it back looked clear as mud (in the mud). He dived to ground and then put his arm out to the ball and he touched it twice (watch it) and despite the appeals it was the right decision. A lot of talk over hand to ball – ball to hand; but in this instance it was clearly hand to ball as he stopped the cross by moving his hand to it (they were not by his side and moved it away from his body).
Forest and Davies was vehement in asking for one in the first half on Cox by Maguire (I think) and having seen it back I have seen them given sometimes but it would have been harsh. A few other appeals both ways were also more hopeful than anything.
Felt Forest were quite cynical for long spells and it did seem whenever any of our smaller players went past they just chopped us down. It happened several times. Although Collins, Maguire and Harris were rightly booked also for us for poor challenges.
It was not easy with all the idiots on the pitch at the end for the goals etc but he somehow kept things as sane as he could.
Crowd – Bigger crowd than I thought with a huge following of 5,500 from Nottingham swelling it. South Stand was full and John Street was quite full. Kop was only maybe 2/3’s full and with sections of the Bramall Lane cordoned off (for police reasons) accounting for the missing 5 or 6,000 from the total but it made for a good atmosphere.
Thought neither set of fans covered themselves in glory despite the noise and atmosphere which was really good and made it like a proper cup tie. Great to see the Lane almost full and very noisy but as I say certain things from both fans did not sit well.
Firstly the visitors fans. Forest fans came in numbers and were vocal although they seemed more insistent than United fans to bring back the old off the field rivalries of many years ago (signing ‘sign on with a pen in your hand’) and also rather petty ‘Non League Nigel.’ Guess that goes back to the Derby-Forest rivalry but seemed a bit disrespectful when he has managed in the Champ for a number of years? They also sang ‘1-0 to the famous club.’ This would be the same famous club that were a nothing club till the Non League manager’s son propelled them to European greatness? Since he left they have done no more than us really either. They all seemed quite self obsessed but also determined to have a dig at United as part of this rather than just singing songs about their own team. They were silenced of course at the end and many had disappeared to wait for their trains or sit on coaches (that could not leave) before the final whistle had even blown and loads did not even stay till the end which was smacked a bit of sore losers in mentality considering their side had been on such a good and long unbeaten run and was first loss for ages.
Really disappointed with some of the home fans (should I even call them that). Firstly a flare seemed to get launched into the away end (I may be wrong) a la Wednesday back in 2003 and could lead to repercussions. Secondly so many on the pitch after the second goal (why?) and some even goading their keeper or players and refusing to leave (fortunately did not see any of them strike or make contact with any or could have been even bigger trouble). Then when we got the third it was the same again and again a few times before the whistle and at the end. What do these idiots get out of coming on the pitch? What do they achieve? We may get a fine now or even in an even worse case scenario get a section closed (flare incident) again. Why are they coming on the pitch and why go up to opposition players? It was madness and nearly spoiled some of the scenes of celebration. Hard for stewards as not a lot they can do when so many come on and of course not many police are in the ground (those that are seem to be at the away end too). I want to watch the players celebrate and clap them off; not them have to get off quickly to watch a load of chavs run around pretending they are going to attack the away fans (worryingly saw a lot of grown men amongst them). I despair at them who took the edge off (a bit) of the win at the end and have us being discussed sometimes for the wrong reasons.
It irritates me and many others who just want to bask in another great win and super performance but have to sit and watch numpties running around. Hopefully if we beat Weds/Charlton some of them can actually behave a little better but I doubt it will happen.
Anyway despite this was a great day/performance/win. A day that makes you realise why it is special to be a Blade. We have many more bad times than good but now and again this club….as annoying as they can be….give you something to hang your hat on and be proud of them. Today was such a day.