By Chris O'Brien
April 14 2005

Forest's game-in-hand saw Megson's side pick up a solitary point against play-off chasing Sheffield United, putting them at a huge disadvantage in the relegation scrap. Are the Bluebirds now fighting against only one relegation space, or can the two time European Cup winners stage a great escape?

A point at home to Sheffield United will probably not be enough to keep Nottingham Forest in the Championship survival race, yet Gary Megson's side should be delighted they got a point in one of the most one-sided games of the Football League season.

Sheffield United outclassed the City Ground outfit, but squandered chance after chance and it was the home side who took a surprise lead just after the interval. Kris Commons' 47th minute header upset the balance of play and was Forest's only shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.

However, a slick passing move from the visitors restored parity on 71 minutes. Alan Quinn netted the equalising goal in front of over 21,000 supporters, converting a cross from Nick Montgomery but a point will do little to help either team's chances at opposing ends of the league table.

The result leaves the two-time European Cup winners five points away from safety with only four games to go. This was their crucial game in hand, and although they were lucky to get a point, really needed victory for avoiding the drop to remain a realistic aim.

With Rotherham United already relegated, City could now be fighting against only one red zone position. It is incredibly tight down the bottom, with all teams up to Leicester City in 16th still in grave danger of dropping into Football League One, so the next couple of weeks promise some exciting times.

Football League Championship - Down the Bottom

#		Played	Goal Difference	Points
16.	Leicester City	40	+3	49
17.	Coventry City	42	-15	47
18.	Gillingham	42	-19	47
19.	Cardiff City	41	-3	46
20.	Crewe Alexandra	42	-15	46
21.	Watford	42	-8	45
22.	Brighton & Hove Albion	42	-26	45
23.	Nottingham Forest	42	-23	40
24.	Rotherham United	42	-30	28

City visit promotion-hopefuls Preston North End on the weekend in need of points to push away from the relegation pack. The trip to Deepdale is quickly followed by Cardiff's game-in-hand, a visit to fellow struggling side Leicester. Cardiff then end the season with a home clash against Reading, a trip to Gillingham and the visit of Queens Park Rangers to Ninian Park.