Played at non-league Ilkeston Town (New Manor Ground) the Blades Reserves took a two goal lead with goals from Danny Philliskirk and Chris Porter. But two goals from David McGoldrick saved Forest’s blushes against a strong united squad.
It was positive to see Johnny Ertl play another full 90 minutes as he recovers from injury and may be included in the squad to face Chesterfield this weekend.
Within two minutes of the start the Blades were on the attack; David McAllister nabbed the ball from Maloney before feeding Erik Tonne who tested Darlow in the Reds goal.
Chris Porter wasted an opportunity to score when Darlow fumbled McAllister’s 20 yards shot before the former Derby County striker struck over the bar. But on the 9th minute they went ahead when Tonne crossed for Philliskirk to slot home.
Despite Forest fielding more recognisable names such as George Boateng and former Blades loan midfielder Andy Reid it was the visitors who came close to adding a second – Porter firing over from Conneely’s pass.
Long was beaten on 25 minutes when Reid’s curling shot flashed against the post and five minutes later Porter (30) made it two when Pomares provided a deep cross for the striker to finish.
With the clock ticking towards half-time the post came once again to the Blades rescue, McGoldrick outpaced Ertl following Reid’s pass and the former Southampton man fired his shot against the woodwork.
In the second half United were prevented from adding a third on a few occasions, Philliskirk who has recently returned from a loan spell at Oxford United tested Darlow twice.
For a third time Forest struck the woodwork with Parrino eventually heading to safety; Reid chipped with sight of goal with George Long stranded but his effort bouncing off the crossbar with Dexter Blackstock following in Lescinel Jean-Francois blocking before the Argentine cleared.
On 75 minutes Forest finally hit back and handed themselves a way back into the game when Reid’s pass eventually found McGoldrick via Meadows to fire straight past Long.
Darlow denied Porter with three minutes remaining and soon after Philliskirk fired agonisingly wide before; four minutes added on time McGoldrick lashed home a 25 yard free-kick.
Nottingham Forest: Darlow, McCleary (Andrews 62), Fenton, Moloney, Meadows, Boateng, Anderson (Morgan 70), Majewski, Blackstock (Bamford 70), McGoldrick, Reid. Unused: Smith, Osborn.
Sheffield United: Long, Parrino, Pomares, Conneely, Ertl, Jean-Francois, Philliskirk (Murray 90), Harriott, Porter, McAllister, Tonnne (Chapell 71). Unused: Aksalu, Warren, Brown.