Nigel Clough returned to the City Ground for the second time in under 3 weeks as Nottingham Forest and Derby County once again locked horns this time in the league.

With Derby in excellent recent form and Forest slipping back into the relegation dogfight this was always going to be a tough ask for the Reds although Billy Davies was boosted by the return of Robert Earnshaw and Paul Anderson.

Having stormed into two goal lead in the recent FA cup replay Forest were this time on the receiving end of a fast start by the Rams. With little over 5 minutes on the watch Kris Commons swung over a free kick from the left and after Forest failed to clear adequately Lewin Nyatanga fired home from close range.

A shell shocked home side eventually responded after a shaky start and were perhaps unfortunate not to get back into it before half time. The returning Earnshaw had a couple of decent chances but saw an attempted lob loop just over and a shot from an angle sail high and wide.

Boosted by the half time advantage Derby were soon on the front foot after the interval. Another free kick from the left, this time by Robbie Savage was nodded home by Rob Hulse as Forest again failed to deal with set piece delivery.

The game was now up for a shoddy looking Forest outfit. With 20 minutes still remaining the killer 3^rd goal arrived after James Perch foolishly shoved Rob Hulse in the box allowing Steve Davies the opportunity to stroke home from the spot. The only positive the Reds could take from this was that the offence earned Perch a 10^th yellow card of the season and with it a two match ban.

Not content with the 3 goals Derby looked for more. Davies headed against the bar before Joe Heath miraculously cleared from underneath his own crossbar.

As time began to run out Forest improved. The introduction of Gareth McCleary brought fresh impetus and it was the young winger who crossed for Rob Earnshaw to head home moments after the same combination had forced Bywater to save well.

Forest pushed for a 2^nd goal as the board went up for stoppage time. Perch wasted a great chance when ballooning over from 8 yards out but in truth the 2 goal margin of victory was a fair reflection on this contest.

No Reds supporter can argue that their team was anything but second best against what is looking a more efficient and organised Derby side under Clough jnr.

Of more concern is the current league table which shows the Reds just a single point above the drop zone with difficult looking games against the likes of Reading, Swansea and Burnley to come shortly.

An imminent return to League One is on the cards unless the Reds improve and fast.

Forest: Smith, Chambers (McCleary 64), Morgan, Breckin, Heath, Anderson (Newbold 81), Perch, McGugan, Cohen, Earnshaw, Tyson.

MOM: Gareth McCleary