The unexpected three points avenges Forest’s televised defeat to Carlisle in early March.

But Forest’s appalling form over the last few months means that an excellent victory at Brunton Park does little for Forest’s failed pursuit of automatic promotion.

It was a slow start to the game with Luke Chambers down with a head injury early on, but Carlisle found their rhythm after a small period of pressure and soon began creating chances.

Their best opportunity came as a swirling ball into the box caught Smith off guard, Julian Bennett was on hand to turn it away from a corner.

After half an hour referee Mark Halsey traded places with his fourth official citing an injury, perhaps not enjoying the adverse weather conditions in the north of England.

Junior Agogo snatched possession immediately after the break in play, and his speculative effort briefly had hearts in mouths before sailing comfortably wide.

Carlisle had the better of the chances for the remainder of the half, but the second 45 minutes did not go their way.

Two enforced Forest gave Carlisle the upper hand shortly after the break and the home side forced a number of smart saves from Paul Smith.

And second-placed Carlisle were beginning to again take hold of a scrappy second half when Luke Chambers sprung to net a vital opening goal just 15 minutes from time.

His bullet header for the top corner triggered a siege of Carlisle pressure and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson shook the crossbar before McCleary put the game beyond doubt.

Chris Cohen played in Emile Sinclair whose blocked effort fell to McCleary and the 20-year-old buried his first goal in professional football.

Comment

It’s typical of Nottingham Forest.

After months of atrocious form and throwing away an excellent chance of automatic promotion, the Reds deliver a gritty performance and three points at one of the hardest places to play in League One.

Sadly it epitomises the Forest of recent seasons and, most specifically, the Forest stewarded by Colin Calderwood.

Under pressure the players frequently buckle, but with the chances of automatic promotion already dashed there is a sudden upturn.

Forest just cannot cope with pressure and expectation.

It is a sad indictment, but a key reason why it is difficult to back Forest with any more than blind faith going into the most crucial stage of the season.

Ratings:

Smith - 8

Chambers - 5

Wilson - 6

Morgan - 7

Bennett - 7

McGugan - 5

Clingan - 6

Cohen  - 7.5

Ormerod - 7

Agogo - 5

Tyson -6

Subs:

McCleary - 7

Breckin - 6

Sinclair - 6 

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