Although promotion from the Championship has always been Nottingham Forest's priority, the Reds were left to rue a second-half performance that Davies described as 'complete and utter self-destruct' after holding a 1-0 lead at the break.
A home tie against Sheffield Wednesday or Charlton Athletic was awaiting but it was the Blades who secured a potential local derby thanks to Coady's equaliser and Porter's stoppage time double.
"At the end they had more hunger," admitted Davies after the end of his side's long, unbeaten run. "We wish Sheffield United all the very best.
"I've got no issue at all with regard to kick-off times and whether the draw is made before or after the game. I've no issue with Nigel Clough either. I wished him the best before the game."
Ironically it has been a good weekend for the Reds on the promotion front after defeat for Queens Park Rangers and a draw for Burnley. That will be of little consolation on Sunday evening with Wembley having been within touching distance but a quick bounceback is needed before the midweek meeting with leaders Leicester City.