Sheffield United boss makes Nottingham Forest Wembley claim and lays down City Ground challenge

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom claims Nottingham Forest celebrated as if they were going to Wembley when they made it 2-0 at Bramall Lane.

Jack Colback and Brennan Johnson had put the Reds in front in Saturday’s play-offs semi-final first leg, with the latter netting in front of the away end with 20 minutes to go. But Steve Cooper’s side could have been out of sight, with the number of chances they created in the first half alone.

Sander Berge kept the tie alive with a late header to make it 2-1 ahead of Tuesday night’s return clash. And Heckingbottom wants his team to quickly get on the scoresheet again at the City Ground, to “change the complexion” of the contest.

“You see the body language,” he told the Sheffield Star. “We’re coming off and we didn’t look as defeated.

“The lads are in the dressing room saying to each other, ‘we’re still in this’. Their players are arguing about who let him (Berge) in to get it, and wondering how it happened.

“Look at how they celebrated their second goal, as if they thought they were through. It makes the first big incident at their place key now.

“The first goal is key. If we get it, then it totally changes the complexion of what is happening.”

Heckingbottom had previously described Berge’s goal as a “pivotal moment”. He said: "The game might be exactly the same at the City Ground, although it might make for an edgier atmosphere for them if they are going to defend deep or get pinned in by us.”

At stake on Tuesday is a trip to Wembley and a shot at promotion to the Premier League. The winners will face either Huddersfield Town or Luton Town in the final.