On December 31st, Union forces commanded by General Rosencrans, faced off against Confederate forces, commanded by General Bragg. Two miles north of Murfressboro. The Confederates struck Union lines first, and succeeded in pushing back the Union flanks. The Union center held. Confederate forces attacked repeatedly, but failed to move Union forces. Bragg expected Rosencrans to withdraw. Rosencrans did not comply. When it became clear that Rosencrans was receiving reinforcements from Nashville, Bragg withdrew his forces.