Like most of this season in the Championship for Nottingham Forest, It wasn’t exactly spectacular on Saturday but It was a good solid weekend for the Reds in their push for a playoff place as Sabri Lamouchi’s men ‘did what they needed to’ in keeping Preston North End at arm’s length as defeats for both Cardiff and Swansea also added boost towards Forest securing their first playoff berth since 2011.

A late goal on Sunday by Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez meant that seventh placed Swansea City will now face Forest on Wednesday night already six points behind their City Ground hosts and with 8^th & 9^th Preston and Millwall (seven points behind the Reds) the only other two teams able to catch Forest this season it is looking likely that one win from their final three games should be enough.

If Forest beat Swansea on Wednesday it will be mathematically assured that the Reds will be in the playoffs but should they lose, it could be squeaky bum time with two games left to play. The odds might be on an unspectacular draw that will again see Forest edge closer to their target.

On Saturday at Deepdale, Forest ‘did what they had to’ with Sabri Lamouchi more than content with playing for a draw. Whilst it might not perhaps be seen as the most exciting way to go about business, at this stage of the season it is all about getting over the line, and Forest are not exactly sprinting, but cruising towards the finish line as they hope to do it with games in the bank spare.

After drawing at Preston Sabri Lamouchi sounded satisfied stating “We played a hard game. They played a lot of long balls with a lot of duels but it was a good point and I am happy for the point. Job done.”

“It was a fair result, a good point and I am happy for the boys because they never give up, they are focused and serious. After many games in a few days they are very concentrated, looking forward and they know they have to keep going. One point is a good result and now we need to think about the next one.”

Should Forest take a point against Swansea it will in similar ways to the draw at Deepdale keep another of the playoff pushing opponents at arm’s length and in theory would be a good enough result should two of Cardiff, Preston and Millwall not win all their remaining three matches of the season which is a realistic request to ask.

Whilst a win would be great, ideal and perfect those that know Nottingham Forest will also understand that it is not always the outcome achieved, a defeat would depending on other results bring those hovering around back into play. Tactically things on Wednesday night might have to be ugly in order for Forest to get their way, and when under pressure to do this previously under Lamouchi this season, his side have often delivered.

Don’t hope for a pretty game verses Swansea (because they are better at that than Forest), but hope instead for the Reds to get the points on the board needed to see them through to phase one of target. A couple of ‘testimonials’ verses Barnsley and Stoke to come, then the real action starts to whet the appetite.

*Main image @NFFC Sabri Lamouchi knows his side are within touching distance.