Ryan Yates came to Nottingham Forest’s rescue to ensure they came away with a point in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.
The Reds looked like being made to pay for missed chances when Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the Blades, but Yates headed in right at the death to ensure the spoils were shared.
The visitors were much the better side in the first half, they just didn’t have the goals to show for it - despite creating plenty of chances.
Ethan Horvath only had one save of note to make, denying Sander Berge with a good stop after the Reds had been hit on the counter.
His opposite number, Wes Foderingham, meanwhile, had a much busier opening 45 minutes.
Brennan Johnson had a left-footed strike saved and Keinan Davis headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner, all within the first couple of minutes.
Philip Zinckernagel was then thwarted with 22 minutes gone after a loose pass sent the Dane clean through, while Davis fired another effort off target a few minutes later, having been played in by Johnson.
And it was the latter who had the best opportunity to put his team in front with half an hour played.
Djed Spence was tripped in the box, leaving referee Josh Smith to point to the spot - coming after the Reds felt they had been denied a penalty earlier, for a pull on Davis.
Johnson sent the spot-kick down the middle, just as he had against Blackburn Rovers, but Foderingham stood firm to keep it at 0-0.
Zinckernagel had another strike blocked just before the interval as the teams went in at the break all-square.
Steve Cook was inches away from the opener just before the hour, rattling the crossbar with a header from Garner’s corner. Zinckernagel then made a terrific tackle as the Blades responded by hitting Forest on the counter.
But it was the hosts who opened the scoring, dealing a real suckerpunch to Steve Cooper’s men.
Morgan Gibbs-White floated a cross to the far post, and Billy Sharp was on hand to head in from close range with 69 minutes gone.
That looked like being the winner, until Yates popped up right at the death to finish off Garner’s ball in and ensure Forest had something to show for their efforts.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Bramall Lane.
Ethan Horvath: Another strong showing from the American, who has taken his chance to put pressure on Brice Samba. Some good saves made, despite the goal conceded. Rating: 7.5/10
Joe Worrall: Will be frustrated with Billy Sharp getting in to net against the run of play. Had been a real battle between those two for much of the evening. Rating: 7.5/10
Steve Cook: So close again to bagging his first goal for the club, with a thumping header which hit the bar. Put in some fine tackles at the other end of the pitch, too. Rating: 8/10
Scott McKenna: Generally pretty solid and tried to be positive in pushing forward. Was brought off late on as the Reds switched to a back four to get an extra attacker on. Rating: 7.5/10
Djed Spence: Won the penalty with some fancy footwork. Some good moments going forward. Perhaps could have done better with keeping a handle on Sharp for the goal. Rating: 7.5/10
James Garner: Worked really hard in the centre of the pitch, helping to keep the hosts at arm’s length for much of the game - until the Reds lost their way a bit after the opener. Weighed in with an assist for the equaliser. Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan Yates: Covered plenty of ground in the first half, especially, helping to give his team a platform for applying the pressure. Once again came to his team’s rescue with an equaliser. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: For the most part had been pretty solid, having been drafted into the left wing-back spot again. Forest paid the price for not cutting out Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross, though. Rating: 7/10
Brennan Johnson: Plenty of good moments when he troubled the defence. Penalty save was a turning point in the game, but the Reds had numerous other opportunities to find the back of the net. Rating: 7.5/10
Philip Zinkernagel: A frustrating evening going forward, with some good chances spurned. Sprinted back to help out defensively when Forest were hit on the counter, though, putting in a superb tackle in the second half. Rating: 6/10
Keinan Davis: Outstanding in the way he led the line. Had the measure of his markers, with his strength and power causing plenty of problems. Just needed a goal to show for all of his hard work. Rating: 8/10
Subs
Sam Surridge (for McKenna, 79mins): Looked lively when he was on the pitch, trying to apply pressure. Rating: 7/10
Alex Mighten (for Zinckernagel, 85mins): Added some fresh legs, with his pace causing the hosts problems. Rating: 7/10
Joe Lolley (for Colback, 89mins): Some bright moments as Forest desperately tried to get something from the game. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Smith, Figueiredo, Cafu, Silva.
