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Reid [right] challenges Jamie Murphy of Sheffield United. PA Wire/PA Wire/Press Association Images
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Forest crash out of FA Cup despite Ireland international Andy Reid's efforts

The midfielder set up a goal for the visitors, but Sheffield United powered home thanks to three second half strikes.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST WERE beaten 3-1 by Sheffield United in the FA Cup fifth round, despite the best efforts of Ireland international Andy Reid.

Ex-Sunderland midfielder Reid teed up Jamie Paterson to head the opening goal of the game in the 28th minute, bursting into space down the left-hand flank before swinging in an inviting cross for the 22-year-old to nod home.

Reid picked up a booking just before the half time break, with referee Michael Oliver indicating that the yellow card was for an accumulation of minor offences rather than the actual tackle in midfield.

However, the 29-times capped Irishman stood out as the visitors enjoyed superiority in the opening half.  Billy Davies’ men were allowed to dominate possession for long periods by a stuttering United.

Both Jose Baxter and Stefan Scougall had decent chances on the counter-attack for the home team in the opening 45, but were wasteful in their finishing. The fact that this afternoon’s quarter-final draw meant a win for United could set them up to play rivals Sheffield Wednesday [who have to beat Charlton in their own fifth round tie] in the quarter-finals saw them come out brighter after the interval.

The home team began to put more pressure on Forest’s possession, also pushing forward with more determination themselves and beginning to enjoy more territory in the Forest half. The improvement told in the 68th minute, as Forest ‘keeper Dorus de Vries spilled the ball inside his box following a John Brayford cross.

Soccer - FA Cup - Fifth Round - Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest - Bramall Lane Conor Coady taps in the equaliser for United. Nigel French / EMPICS Sport Nigel French / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

Conor Coady, the 20-year-old on loan from Liverpool, made no mistake in tucking away the gift of a chance to draw United level. Reid almost conjured an instant reply for Forest when his free-kick tested Mark Howard in the United goal.

Indeed, Reid’s excellent delivery posed a constant danger for Nigel Clough’s side, particularly his powerfully-struck crossing game.

However, it was United who secure the win in the 89th minute after Greg Halford handled inside the box and Oliver signaled for a penalty. Replacement striker Chris Porter tucked away the dead-ball chance with comfort to send United’s support into raptures.

The 30-year-old super sub added a second goal in injury time, accepting James Murphy’s pass before darting to the by-line and finishing from a tight angle. That strike sparked a mini pitch invasion as United ensured their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

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