Blades boss praises Forte

Blades boss praises Forte

Published Feb. 13, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

Ernesto Valverde is under no illusions about the task facing Valencia after they slipped to a 2-1 loss in the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

Carlo Ancelotti's men took command at the Mestalla with first-half goals from Argentinian pair Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore, although Valencia were handed a late lifeline with Adil Rami's strike.

PSG also saw star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off in the dying seconds and the Sweden international will now miss the return match in Paris in two weeks.

However, Valverde is aware their opponents are still favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, even without their leading scorer.

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"We have to recognise they are a great team with great players and they showed their strength," he said in quotes on Marca.

"Eventually we managed to score a goal and that gives us some hope, but we know the return match will be very difficult.

"There are no buts. They are very strong and every counter-attack is very dangerous. In all honesty, we were probably too naive in the first half.

"We must be aware they have outstanding players like Lucas Moura and Lavezzi. Ibrahimovic's red card will not really help us as they have many resources in their squad.

"It will be complicated in Paris but it is a match, we will go there to play and we have to try."

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A late Oliver Risser own goal and a Gary McDonald strike secured a third win in four for the Shrimps and the gap to the play-off places is now seven points.

But Bentley was more concerned with putting more distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

After the Globe Arena clash, he said: "It wasn't a classic game by any means but it was a vital win as it took us 12 points clear of Aldershot and past the 40-point mark which is always a confidence booster.

"It was a scrappy game, but we kept our cool and got the first goal which is all important in this league as the stats show time and time again.

"We were all disappointed after the defeat here on Saturday, but I asked for a reaction and I got one with a good, solid and disciplined performance."

The powerful striker claimed his first goal since returning to the club in a deadline day switch from Southampton by putting the Blades ahead in the 38th minute of the League One clash at Gigg Lane.

Jamie Murphy wrapped up the points on the hour with his first strike since signing from Motherwell.

Wilson reckons Forte's partnership with Dave Kitson could prove the difference in the race to reach the Championship.

"Jonathan was a threat all the game," said Wilson.

"There were a couple of incidents when he was unlucky and a couple when he should've shot earlier but maybe that's a bit of ring rust from not playing.

"But then he comes on and gets at people the way he did and that's exactly the type of goal we expected him to get.

"I love Kits too. I think he's a great player. He links the ball so intelligently and he sees things people don't see. That's why he's played Premier League and commanded fees like he has.

"At our level he's the difference at times and I'm delighted we've managed to keep hold of him."

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