05.02.2014 23:48 h

Football: Forest set up FA Cup tie against ex-boss Clough

Hohes Bein
Hohes Bein

Nottingham Forest will face a Sheffield United side managed by former City Ground favourite Nigel Clough in the last 16 of the FA Cup after beating Preston North End 2-0 in a fourth-round replay on Wednesday.

Jamie Mackie's early opener and Darius Henderson's stoppage-time strike saw Championship side Forest, managed by former Preston boss Billy Davies, progress at the expense of their League One opponents.

Now they will face another third tier side in Sheffield United, with the trip to the Blades' Bramall Lane ground sure to stoke plenty of memories.

Former England international Clough, the son of legendary Forest manager Brian, started his career as a player at the City Ground.

But it was in his role as manager of Forest's Midlands rivals Derby County that Nigel Clough had a run-in with Davies following a touchline row during a game at Derby's Pride Park in 2010.

Davies accused Clough of kneeing him in the back during a melee which involved players and coaching staff.

Clough later denied the allegation, but Davies made an official complaint to the League Managers' Association.

Three subsequent matches saw Forest beat Clough's Derby on every occasion.

The last meeting proved pivotal, with Clough sacked by Derby just two days after a 1-0 defeat by Forest in September.