Nottingham Forest showed what Sheffield United need to avoid promotion chase 'fizzling out'

Paul Heckingbottom believes Sheffield United have to 'find a way' of staying in the promotion hunt after their 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest last night showed just how much they have been stretched in recent weeks.

On paper the result looks like an impressive point against a side in similar form vying for one of those precious top six places.

But in truth, although Blades were leading deep into added-on time, they were second best for large parts and but for another Wes Foderingham penalty save, plus a host of missed chances, the points would have gone to the visitors.

Steve Cooper's men looked bright, energetic and had pace and power all over the pitch - everything the home side lacked.

In contrast, United look a team running on empty and in desperate need of a second wind from somewhere.

The spate of injuries and run of fixtures from the beginning of February look to have taken its toll as Heckingbottom was forced into playing 'square pegs in round holes' and handing out debuts forced through 'necessity'.

Having reeled in 10 teams since he took over in November playing fluent, front-foot attacking football to climb into the top six, United are now grinding out results.

The difference to that earlier period to now was options.

Before injuries hit, Heckingbottom was having to leave out good players not only from the starting XI but also from the squad.

However, he is no longer being afforded that luxury and it not only showed at Millwall on Saturday but again last night.

Five more changes were made to a starting XI, and yet again not through choice.

Heckingbottom has named an unchanged side just once since returning from an enforced break against Derby on January 15 and more players have been forced to play