BLUES Boss Joe Royle is getting used to his side not doing anything the easy way but insists Town are still in the box seat for a play-off place, writes Derek Davis.

BLUES Boss Joe Royle is getting used to his side not doing anything the easy way but insists Town are still in the box seat for a play-off place, writes Derek Davis.

He said: "We go into the last two games a point clear knowing if we win both games we are in there.

"We are disappointed not to get at least a draw but there is a determination to get it done on Friday.

"I have said before that we would have settled for this position. We are fourth with two games to go with a great chance of the play-offs. Neither are easy games, but then there are no easy games for us. We can find drama anywhere."

Royle admits he would have been disappointed with just a draw and so was doubly so when Town's defence let them down again and they could not get the game by the scruff of the neck

He said: "We have had more than 20 attempts on goal, hit a post and missed chances and, in my opinion, given them a couple.

"They were dangerous on the break when we were stretched and chasing the game.

"We were on top most of the game but could not get the goal when we needed it. Apart from the goal, which I'm sure Kelvin (Davis) won't be happy with, we have played some great stuff first half. Even in the second half we were playing well enough, moving the ball well, but once we have gone down to 2-1 we had to bring on an extra forward player."

With Tommy Miller injured Town went to a three-five-two formation and Royle explained why he chose to use Drissa Diallo in defence instead of starting with Martijn Reuser in midfield.

"Martijn is wide player or a loose player and we could not do that against a diamond."

Richard Naylor hit a post with a header after going on as a substitute for Dean Bowditch, which Royle explained was down to Forest defending their area once they went ahead for the second time.

He said: "We needed more physical strength as there were so many people packed in there and they did not come out of their half. The kid (Bowditch) is a player, we know that, and it was a terrific goal, but there was no space for him later in the game."

Royle has tipped Forest to be among the front-runners next season after this campiagn was ruined by injury and forced sales.

He said: "Forest are one of the better teams in the division and I thought before the game this would be the trickiest of the three games we had left. That is not to say the other two will be easy.

"I have felt for some time that Forest were just waiting to get Dawson or Johnson fit to show how good they are and they confirmed that here."