Sheffield United boss, Paul Heckingbottom, has commented on Nottingham Forest not giving penalties away after the Reds won 2-1 at Bramall Lane yesterday.
The Blades forced a late goal to make Tuesday night more interesting after Jack Colback and Brennan Johnson had scored for Forest in the Saturday sun. Sander Berge’s last minute header has given hope to Sheffield United fans ahead of the second leg at the City Ground.
However, there was a shout for penalty on Berge as well which wasn’t given by the officials. And speaking after the game, United boss Heckingbottom appeared to suggest Forest keep getting away with it when it comes to not giving pens away.
“They must see that. Forest have only given one penalty away from dragging players down in the box, yet they do it every game,” Heckingbottom told the Daily Mail.
Berge was United’s best player on the day as he was one of a few who looked to push forward and create. The Norwegian fired a shot over the bar in the second half, while he also played in Chris Basham for a golden chance as well.
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Our View: Heckingbottom Playing Mind Games But Sheffield United Need To Do Better
This could just be a way of Heckingbottom highlighting something to the officials ahead of the second leg. He’ll be hoping someone is listening, and trying to give the Blades any advantage they can.
However, the fact remains that United need to perform better. In fact, they need to perform a lot better. Forest could have been out of sight by half-time yesterday and that has to change for Tuesday.
Berge’s goal has given the Blades a lifeline. The feel of the game is now different and an early Blades strike could put the City Ground on edge. Certainly, it’s a big difference mentally having to just score one and not two to draw level.