May this be the start of another winning run...

There was a real possibility if results went against them that Forest could have found themselves seven points adrift of the play-off places last night. Thankfully, having beaten ten-man Burnley to record their first win in ten attempts, and Derby's victory over Leeds, the Reds are very much back in contention for the top six with the gap now reduced to just one point.

It took a very long time for the game to burst into life as Forest were struggling to get going. Burnley, who not so long ago were looking a good bet for a place in the play-offs, were going through a rotten spell of form themselves, yet they were playing with a great deal more confidence than Forest. They were forced to change their game plan, though, when Martin Bartley was deservedly given his marching orders for a two-footed challenge on Luke Chambers late in the half.

Although it took them a while, Forest took control of the game after the break, and an inspired substitution from Billy Davies saw David McGoldrick replace Marcus Tudgay, and within a minute he had put Forest in front when he bundled the ball home from close range following a Lewis McGugan free kick. And then deep in injury time McGoldrick made absolutely sure of the points when he netted his second of the evening.

As the scoreboard flashed up Derby's home win against Leeds, there was a huge cheer. We may hate Derby, but we love Forest more, and they really did us a big favour. Now we can go to Norwich on Friday night with a sense of purpose. Norwich have been quite superb this season, but their draw at Watford saw them drop down into third and so hopefully the nerves will get to them on Friday. It's really amazing what a win can do for confidence, and whereas I was convinced we were in for a stuffing at Carrow Road before the Burnley win, now I feel a bit more upbeat about our prospects.