Dexter Blackstock scored his first home goal of the season to help Nottingham Forest secure an important win over Burnley at the City Ground this afternoon.

Burnley made a bright start and had the first meaningful effort after five minutes but Charlie Austin blazed over from close range.

Forest slowly took control of the match and had a pair of shots on target through Lewis McGugan in his first start since October.

Henri Lansbury also looked bright on his return to the starting XI but could not make the breakthrough before the half-time whistle.

Sean O'Driscoll's side opened the scoring early in the second half when a deep Andy Reid cross was turned in at the back post by a fine Blackstock header.

Billy Sharp made the points safe 12 minutes from time with a clinical breakaway finish for his sixth of the season.

Burnley brought on Sam Vokes to try to find an equaliser but some resolute Forest defending kept the visitors out.

Sean Dyche threw on Junior Stanislas with 10 minutea to play but Burnley were left frustrated by a spirited Forest display.