Sheffield United 2-0 Nottingham Forest: Blades keep pressure on promotion rivals Leeds
- Published
Yohan Benalouane's dismissal for bringing down David McGoldrick proved to be the game's turning point
Sheffield United kept the pressure on promotion rivals Leeds with a vital victory over 10-man Nottingham Forest.
Mark Duffy's curling second-half finish put United ahead just four minutes after Forest defender Yohan Benalouane had been controversially sent off for bringing down David McGoldrick.
Full-back Enda Stevens sealed the points with a composed finish late on from McGoldrick's pass.
The victory moved Chris Wilder's side back into the top two and above Leeds on goal difference following their surprise home defeat by Wigan.
United had struggled to break Forest down until Tunisian centre-back Benalouane saw red for felling McGoldrick just outside the area as he advanced on goal.
While the Blades striker may have got his shot off, the presence of covering defenders meant referee Andy Madley's decision to dismiss Benalouane was a contentious one.
Duffy wasted little time in making the numerical advantage count by bending a fine finish past Forest keeper Costel Pantilimon, who produced a fine reaction stop from McGoldrick soon after.
A run of one win in their past four matches had seen United hand the initiative to Leeds in the race for second spot with the Blades letting leads slip in three of those games.
But Stevens eased any nerves with his second goal in three games, firing across Pantilimon, as the Blades coped without 23-goal top scorer Billy Sharp, absent with a hamstring injury.
A fourth successive defeat ended Forest's slim play-off hopes and they will be without Jack Colback for their remaining games after the midfielder's 15th booking of the season triggered a three-match ban.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"It was never going to be easy. We had to work hard to get in front and it was a little bit easier when they went down to 10 men.
"It was a great first goal and the second one calmed everyone right down. I thought we saw the game out well.
"We've had a good run at it. It's a great effort from everyone and I don't think we're done yet. I'm looking at one game at a time and we've just got to keep going.
"Every game is tight and we've got something to play for."
Nottingham Forest boss Martin O'Neill:
"The big turning point was the sending-off. First and foremost, Benalouane says he didn't touch him. There is an angle that might even suggest that.
"Take that aside, I think (Molla) Wague is providing cover so it doesn't look as if he's the last man.
"The sending-off has changed the game and Sheffield United scored just a couple of minutes later and eased the anxiety around the stadium.
"It's important for us to stop the run of defeats. It's a tough old job but I think I came in with my eyes open."