Billy Davies happy as threadbare side extend winning run against Middlesbrough

By David McVay Published: 6:30AM GMT twenty-two February 2010

Winner: Chris Cohen (right) scores the usually idea of the diversion Photo: ACTION IMAGES

A ninth unbroken home win edged Forest towards eclipsing the twelve that Brian Clough desirous at the bar thirty years ago, though, as Davies admits, any one would "have to go a prolonged approach to fill that man"s boots".

While Middlesbrough can usually make an effort to a play-off position, Forest"s form on the south bank of the River Trent has postulated their devoted office of graduation that has ensured the competition for an involuntary berth includes 3 genuine candidates, as against to only Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.

Nottm Forest 1 Middlesbrough 0 Championship list Telegraph player rater Championship fixtures Nottm Forest 1 Sheffield United 0 Sport on radio

Yet, notwithstanding Chris Cohen"s stoical leader in the 72nd minute, the perfection of this temperate game"s majority smooth move, may be a hold of enviousness for his compatriot, Gordon Strachan, bristles low down in Davies.

Indeed, if the diversion had been motionless quite on Jan send signings, Strachan"s Middlesbrough would have prevailed 7-0.

"We were down to eighteen fit men," Davies reminded the press entertainment and may be his chairman, Nigel Doughty. "That"s as tough a diversion as we"ll get; they have good abyss in their patrol and their new signings looked fresh."

Whatever his middle frustrations, presumably Davies is treading a rather unknown tactful line though. With an East Midlands derby at Leicester City approaching and nearest rivals Swansea City to follow, that consent could well shift along with the Scot"s notoriously indeterminate mood.