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Forest win demotes Scunthorpe

Nottingham Forest need just the one point to confirm a play-off berth after a 5-1 hammering of Scunthorpe at the City Ground which sends the Irons down into League One. Forest have a three point cushion over seventh-placed Leeds with a much better goal difference going into the final Championship fixture next week.

Forest boss Billy Davies said: "We are not there yet. We are having a good run and we are in a good position but there is still work to do when we go to Crystal Palace next weekend for a very difficult away game.

"Hopefully, we will get the one point that is required to get us over the line and I will happily talk about the play-offs when we do that.

"I always said the play-off issue would be a photo finish and probably go down to the last game and that's the way it has turned out."

On his side's performance against Scunthorpe, he added: "It was a very tricky game and Scunthorpe acquitted themselves well and caused us some problems.

"I thought we were pedestrian in our play during the first half but our game speed improved in the second half and got the goals by playing some very good football."

Scunthorpe boss Alan Knill admitted his side had already consigned themselves to relegation before the match.

Knill said: "We virtually knew we were down last week because apart from the points it needed a 17-goal swing (in goal difference).

"But we started today's game brightly and did the things we were talking about beforehand. We moved the ball around quite well and created a couple of clear cut chances and I feel quite certain that had they fallen to Robert Earnshaw it's a goal.

"But then we made a mistake, found ourselves a goal down and it went from there. Forest are a fantastic team and have an unbelievable squad but it doesn't matter who you are playing against - if you give them goals you are going to cause yourself problems.

"We have lost the last four goals to set pieces today and that's no good. The disappointing thing for me was the manner in which we conceded the goals. That's why we are going to play in League One next season - simple as.

"The players have had a real go but to be competitive in this league you have to be able to match the opposition physically and athletically and we haven't always been able to do that in the games I have seen. There are some really strong athletes in this league."

On possible summer personnel changes at Glanford Park, he added: "I've got 17 players in contract but there is imbalance in it. I have five centre halves and four right-backs and I just don't need that many.

"I would hope we can make changes and myself and the board see the same picture - it's a long-term project."

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