Nottingham Forest took another step towards breaking into the top six as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Barnsley.
Steve Cooper’s side made it three league wins on the trot as goals from Keinan Davis, Ryan Yates and Brennan Johnson moved them closer to the play-off places.
The hosts got off to the perfect start in front of another bumper City Ground crowd, taking the lead with 15 minutes on the clock.
They could have gone in front before then, had a header from Steve Cook just dropped an inch or two the other side of the post from a corner.
But Davis had no such trouble, showing excellent composure to net his first in the Garibaldi.
It was all his own work, too. Great determination saw him rob Mads Andersen of the ball, before bursting forward and coolly slotting the ball beyond Brad Collins for 1-0.
That set the tone for a first half which was almost all Forest. They were near enough in cruise control.
The Tykes did have a few dangerous moments, with Scott McKenna making a big goalline clearance to deny Callum Styles just before the half hour mark.
Otherwise, though, the Reds’ only problem was ensuring they didn’t become complacent and let slip a game which was very much in their hands.
James Garner flashed an effort wide of the post, following Lewis Grabban’s cross, while Yates had a header palmed over the crossbar.
Still, the midfielder got on the scoresheet at the second attempt barely a minute later.
The build-up play was delightful. Beautiful ball from Jack Colback, clever dummy by Grabban to let in Brennan Johnson, whose ball in was slotted home by Yates just a few minutes before the break.
That gave the scoreline a more comfortable look at the interval, reflective of Forest’s dominance against a struggling Barnsley side who looked shorn of confidence.
Still, the visiting fans tried to make the most of it as the start to the second half was in complete contrast to the first.
The Reds were sloppy and struggled to find any rhythm, finding it difficult to get going.
Their opponents, on the other hand, had more possession, with the travelling contingent chanting, ‘we’ve got the ball’ and ‘we’ve had a shot’.
Brice Samba was still largely untroubled, however, and the hosts managed to kill the game off in the 75th minute.
Djed Spence motored down the right, then pulled the ball back for Johnson to sweep in for 3-0.
There was still time for substitute Xande Silva to hit the post as Forest saw out the victory.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Forest player ratings
Brice Samba: A bystander for much of the game as Barnsley barely tested him. Showed good awareness and distribution when he did get the ball. Rating: 7/10
Djed Spence: Another excellent display from the right-back. Understanding with Johnson just keeps getting better and better, as shown in the third goal. They are a dangerous combination. Rating: 8.5/10
Steve Cook: A steady presence in a back line which had a fairly quiet evening. Ensured his teammates stayed switched on. Went close to getting on the scoresheet a couple of times. Rating: 7.5/10
Scott McKenna: The rock does it again. Was there when he needed to be to make a terrific goalline clearance in the first half. Not much gets past him. Rating: 8/10
Jack Colback: Deserves plenty of credit for again stepping into the left-back role for much of the game and putting in another fine display. Has really found his form. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: If at first you don’t succeed, try again - and the midfielder did, scoring a lovely goal after seeing a header saved just before. Finished off a great move. Rating: 8/10
James Garner: Some lovely passes in the first half especially as the Reds controlled the game. Took a whack just before the break which seemed to take a bit out of him. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Had got two Barnsley players booked within the first 12 minutes as they struggled to handle his pace. Rounded off a comfortable win by finding the net for the second successive game, and his seventh of the season. Rating: 8/10
Philip Zinckernagel: Involved in some lovely moments, putting the visitors under pressure. Just missing that final touch to really make it count on this occasion. Rating: 7/10
Lewis Grabban: Didn’t stop working on the left flank. Made some lovely runs to stretch the visiting defence. Had one opportunity where he perhaps could have passed to Zinckernagel, but made up for it with a delightful dummy in the build-up to Yates’ goal. Rating: 8/10
Keinan Davis: Up and running in the Garibaldi. What a first goal it was, too. Made the chance himself by battling for the ball, then was ice-cool when he needed to be to finish. Full deserved for a really solid start to his loan spell. Rating: 8/10
Subs
Max Lowe (for Davis, 69mins): Got some more valuable minutes under his belt in his second appearance back from injury. Rating: 7/10
Xande Silva (for Grabban, 78mins): Went close to getting a goal on a couple of occasions, including hitting the post. Rating: 7/10
Ateef Konate (for Johnson, 81mins): A nice moment for the youngster as he was handed his league debut. Will benefit from the experience. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Figueiredo, Carvalho, Cafu.
