Forest stalemate sends Toon up

05 April 2010 19:25
Nottingham Forest's slim hopes of automatic promotion suffered a blow as they were held to a goalless draw by fellow Coca-Cola Championship high-fliers Cardiff. The stalemate at the City Ground left Billy Davies' men 11 points behind second-placed West Brom with four games remaining and guaranteed leaders Newcastle an immediate return to the Barclays Premier League ahead of their game against Sheffield United. Forest remain near certainties to claim a play-off berth, while Cardiff are now six points clear of seventh-placed Blackpool. Both sides had chances in a largely even opening period, with home goalkeeper Lee Camp making a stunning early save to deny Darcy Blake and Robert Earnshaw wasting a gilt-edged chance for the Reds soon after. Forest picked up the pace after the interval, but neither side was able to find a breakthrough, ensuring the Bluebirds were involved in their first 0-0 of the season. The result also brought Forest's record-equalling run of home league wins to an end as they failed to record a 13th consecutive home victory.

Source: PA