Billy Davies delighted with character as Nottingham Forest win at Sheffield Wednesday
BILLY Davies today praised his Nottingham Forest side for coming through a 'man's test' against a previously unbeaten Sheffield Wednesday side at Hillsborough.
The Reds produced some outstanding football in the first half, before demonstrating their character after the break, to hold out for a hard fought but deserved 1-0 success.
The result ended a seven-match unbeaten run for Dave Jones' side – and extended Davies' unbeaten start to four matches.
"They had not lost in seven games and their tails were up. When you come here, you have to be brave, you have to be strong and you have to compete," said Davies.
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"In the second half, we lost some fluency. Perhaps that was to do with the pitch. But the back five were excellent. This was a real test. This was a man's test. They are a big, strong side.
"All in all, it was a great effort. I am sure you would agree that our first 45 minutes of play was outstanding. We scored a great goal, we probably should have been further ahead – but our play was excellent.
"In the second half we knew that they would take us back to that end, with their crowd behind the goal. We knew we would have to change our game slightly and head it and kick it better."
Davies says he will not get carried away by the start he has made since returning for a second spell at the club.
"In the end, it was a very important three points. But I am not fooled, this is a very tough league. A couple of wins can take you up and a couple of losses can take you down," he said.
"I am very proud of the performance, it was a great three points, an excellent clean sheet and the first time we have won three games in a row all season, which is pleasing."
Davies felt that a heavy pitch might have had an influence on the game, particularly in the second half.
"I was very surprised how moist the pitch was before the game, there must have been a lot of rain here overnight," said Davies.
"It made life difficult, as you know. We had some tired legs because of that. Let's not take anything away from the home team, because they put us under pressure. They kept putting balls in on top of our back four.
"They made us drop deeper and deeper. But our keeper was excellent, he handled it well and the back four were good too, they were very competent."
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by desnffc
Monday, March 04 2013, 11:37AM
“Would love to see all our strikers back just to see what they could do under Billy's guidance we must have 10 strikers that's all scored this season LOL scary
Yooooooooooooooooooou reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds”
by forest2win
Sunday, March 03 2013, 10:11PM
“Well pointed out wrexhamred, and sod is yet to lose at home having turned over Watford, Ipswich, Barnsley, and erm, us..
Come on city”
by wrexhamred
Sunday, March 03 2013, 9:34PM
“Bristol City have 2 home games this week......Boro and Brighton-I am sure SOD will be keen to do us a favour....possibly!”
by Njwforest
Sunday, March 03 2013, 9:29PM
“Ancientred, I believe he signed a 3 year contract in 2011 which would mean he still has until next summer with us. Therefore I would've thought he'd be sold in the summer and so the better he does for the rest of the season, the more money we'll be able to recoup on him.
However, with Middlesborough a key rival, if there's any option whereby we can recall him we should take it! I know he's hardly been instrumental in their campaign but if we suddenly lost say Blackstock it would be a big blow!”
by Footiepundit
Sunday, March 03 2013, 9:18PM
“Fantastic three points away from home at a difficult place, the team performance was good and deserved more goals for their performance.
I thought Cohen was excellent at left back, Cox's little shuffle to set up Majewski was a smile on face moment, Darlow was good again and I hope Lascelles is given a chance because he looks more than capable at this level of the game. If Arsenal was looking at him then, surely he has the talent to play for Forest's first team?
Fine result and lets keep it up.”
by forest2win
Sunday, March 03 2013, 7:45PM
“Both Brighton and Middlesborough are away next 2 games and we are at fortress city ground. Don't bet against borough getting nothing, and what if Brighton struggle. We could be sat i the play-offs this time next week.."!!
Calm down..”
by redtedng9
Sunday, March 03 2013, 7:04PM
“Yes we are seeing strong characters amongst our team -all emerging over the last few weeks and all due to some incredible man management from the manager , King Billy. Players who have been absent for most of the season are now proving their worth with confidence and performance improving by the game. Watching this transformation in front of our eyes is just so fantastic to see and be a part of.
So many players are worthy of mention at the moment, but Cox gets a special mention from me. Despite not scoring, his workrate is phenomenal and his attitude is 100%-again Billy having a very positive effect with him and many others.
Looking forward to 'goin down' to my beloved City Ground on Tuesday-U Reds!”
by AncientRed
Sunday, March 03 2013, 6:59PM
“Lascelles was outside the box anyway, but that never got mentioned!
Blackstock did a good job on their centre-half who has dominated most centre forwards this season. Thought the ref was brilliant not to go overboard with either of them. Had it been the Derby ref they'd both have got red cards after 5 minutes.
Another good win, especially as I know loads of Owls fans.
Am I right in thinking the freescoring McGoldrick can't play against us?
Also looked as if Ishmael Miller is back to terrorising defences against Cardiff. Is his contract up in the summer?”
by Henrik1968
Sunday, March 03 2013, 6:50PM
“I was delighted too, and please keep it up, lads!!!!!!
GO REDS FOREVER!!!”
by jillycarol
Sunday, March 03 2013, 3:59PM
“The Billy effect has really made it's mark with the squad. He has got the lads believing in themselves and got them fighting for each other. Some of the football we played in the first half yesterday was among the best I've seen us play in years in fact since Billy was here in his first spell. Reidy ran midfield and Billy's crafty tactic of switcing him from left to right and back again paid dividends and had Wednesday struggling to keep up with our versatile strategy. In short Billy out thought Jones. Although Cox's goal drought continues he worked his socks off and showed maturity and gamesmanship in providing the assist to Radi's goal when the temptation to have a shot must have been almost irresistable. Reidy and Radi are in the best form of their careers and the whole squad deserve a huge slap on the back for yesterday's performance. Our fans were once again superb in filling the vast upper tier of West stand and making themselves heard throughout the game.More of the same please....Keep The faith!”