Wilder is fired up for a fight to the finish
CHRIS WILDER joined his Sheffield United players in delivering a defiant response to what he felt was a premature hailing of promotion rivals Leeds. The Blades rose to the challenge of a must-win game in the battle for automatic promotion with second-half goals by Mark Duffy and Enda Stevens. Asked if he felt there was already a national groundswell of acclaim for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side, Wilder said: ‘Yes, 100 per cent. There was a bit of “up yours” in the response. When the season finishes, that’s the time to hand out plaudits. ‘But it isn’t done, is it? I’m not a great loser but I am an honest guy and I’ll be the first on the phone to whoever achieves.’ United served notice they intend to take it to the last game with a deserved win, albeit tinged with controversy. A fighting Nottingham Forest side were effectively condemned to a fourth successive defeat from the 47th minute when Yohan Benalouane was sent off after fouling David McGoldrick just outside the area as the striker threatened to burst through. Forest boss Martin O’Neill called it ‘harsh’ and a game-changer, arguing that Benalouane had not made contact and that it did not look as if It was a last-man challenge. Duffy struck within four minutes, curling a brilliant shot from the corner of the area and later Stevens made sure with an adroit angled finish after being played in by the outstanding McGoldrick. Wilder paid tribute to McGoldrick, saying: ‘He’s been a calming influence in the group this week. He’s been really good on the training ground after losing Chris Basham, John Egan and Billy Sharp.’ Forest skipper Jack Colback was booked for diving and that ends his season. It was his 15th caution of the campaign, which triggers a three-match ban. O’Neill said: ‘If a penalty had been given, I don’t think anyone could have complained. ‘The sending-off has changed the game and they scored just a couple of minutes later.’