Garath McCleary scored four goals during Nottingham Forest's resounding 7-3 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road

Despite an early chance for Forest forward Dexter Blackstock it was the home side who took the lead in the sixth minute.

Ross McCormack was fouled by Adlene Guediora inside the box and Robert Snodgrass converted his penalty past the despairing Lee Camp.

Leeds's advantage lasted for less than two minutes, however, as Guediora fired a long-range strike to make up for his earlier mistake.

Both sides had more chances but the first period looked as though it would end level until first-half stoppage time.

Guediora produced more good work as he laid on an assist for Garath McCleary, who produced a smart finish to give Forest the lead at half time.

The second period began much like the first as Forest extended their lead in the 52nd minute after Blackstock headed in from close range following a cross from Andy Reid.

Neil Warnock's side replied almost immediately as Luciano Becchio pulled a goal back with a smart finish past Camp in the Forest goal.

Two minutes later Leeds were level when Michael Brown placed his shot into the corner of the goal from the edge of the area.

However, Forest regained the lead a minute later as McCLeary scored with a powerful effort past Andrew Lonergan.

McCleary delivered a crucial blow to Leeds just moments later as he found the net to complete his hat-trick following more good work from Reid.

In the 71st minute McCleary scored his fourth and Forest's sixth as the striker once again found space in the area to slot past Lonergan.

Blackstock completed the rout in the 81st minute with an accurate finish from the edge of the penalty area.