Promotion beckons as Toon beat Forest

Ameobi, who replaced the injured Andy Carroll four minutes after the break, blasted home a 71st-minute drive, and Jose Enrique's first goal for the club in injury time all but killed off Forest's hopes of automatic promotion.

Victory at Peterborough on Saturday would be enough to secure promotion if third-placed Forest, who have now lost their last eight away games, extended that to nine at Bristol City with the Magpies 13 points better off having played a game fewer.

It was Ameobi's first appearance since February 9 and his first goal since Boxing Day, but it was arguably the most important of his nine for the season to date.

Newcastle created the game's first chance when Carroll thumped in a firm volley from Wayne Routledge's cross to force goalkeeper Lee Camp into a good 12th-minute save.

As the half wore on, the Magpies began to dominate the midfield battle, and Carroll might have done better in the midst of a goalmouth scramble, but he could not get his shot away after good work by Peter Lovenkrands.

But it was the home side who eventually went ahead when Ameobi received Kevin Nolan's pass with his back to goal and turned smartly before firing a low left-foot shot in off the far post.

Routledge might have sealed the win with 15 minutes remaining, but saw his stinging effort palmed away by Camp.

However, Enrique's first goal for the club in injury time sealed the win.