The Blades went down 3-0 - their heaviest defeat of the season - courtesy of a Ryan Whitehurst hat-rick for Forest, which made it two defeats on the bounce for United.

United struggled from the off and fell behind after just 14 minutes. The ball was lost in midfield and Whitehurst strode through unchallenged to beat Ho Lee with ease.

In the 35th minute the visitors began to exert some pressure and Lee Askham struck the woodwork after an excellent run.

Just after the break Askham again hit the goal frame and Senicanin should have done better when well placed.

The Blades couldn't find a way past the Forest rearguard and on 70 minutes they fell further behind.

A set-piece wasn't defended and the loose ball was poked home from inside the area by Whitehurst.

Six minutes later he completed his hat-rick after finishing a flowing breakaway by the home side.

Coach Scott Sellars was disappointed with the first-half showing, but is pleased that some of his players are getting a chance in the Reserves.

He said, "We were disappointing overall and we know we have to start games better, because we are chasing them from the off.

"A positive though is that some of the lads are getting opportunities for the Reserves, which gives us the chance to blood some youngsters."

Blades: Ho Lee, Smith (Hague 71), Reid, Booker, Chanot, Lowton, Askham, Tahar, Roberts (Rhodes 45), Boden, Senicanin (Gee 76)
Unused: Furniss, Clough