Nottingham Forest 2 Burnley: McGoldrick’s double cuts the gap on Leeds

DAVID McGoldrick was the hero as Nottingham Forest re-ignited their play-off push at the expense of 10-man Burnley at the City Ground.

The substitute’s second-half double ensured Forest claimed their first win in 10 matches to move within one point of sixth-placed Leeds.

Following a dull opening quarter, the game exploded into life when Chris Eagles spurned a clear cut opportunity to put Burnley in front.

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However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after 32 minutes when Marvin Bartley was harshly red-carded for a rash challenge on Luke Chambers.

That was all the motivation Forest needed and they dominated the game thereafter, with Lewis McGugan and Robert Earnshaw forcing Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen into action.

Their persistence was rewarded when McGoldrick opened the scoring in the 73rd minute.

McGugan’s drilled left-wing free-kick was insufficiently cleared by the Burnley defence and McGoldrick turned and slotted home.

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McGugan’s fierce 20-yard strike brought another great save from Jensen but McGoldrick ensured the win in the third minute of injury time.

With the Burnley defence stretched, Earnshaw broke away before squaring the ball to McGoldrick, who fired past Jensen.

Brighton secured promotion from npower League One after a thrilling 4-3 home win over relegation-threatened Dagenham and Redbridge.

It moved them 16 points clear of second-placed Southampton who were stunned by in-form Rochdale 2-0 at Spotland. Walsall beat Brentford 3-2.