How they rated

NEIL ETHERIDGE

Had little to do early on but raced off his line midway through the first half to thwart Liam Bridcutt when the Forest man was played through on goal.

LEE PELTIER

Solid showing from the defender who was in constant communication with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the right. But the right-back took an almighty whack just before the break and was withdrawn at half time.

BRUNO MANGA

Started in the centre of defence in the absence of Sol Bamba but moved to right-back after the change at the interval that saw the Ivorian replace Peltier. Looked more comfortable in the latter half.

SEAN MORRISON (CAPT)

Lost possession in the middle of the park and Forest almost capitalised through Bridcutt early on. But the centre-back was otherwise very impressive, and headed the Bluebirds in-front 10 minutes before the break in emphatic style. Won everything in the air.

JOE BENNETT

Threw his body on the line, and took an elbow to the face early on for his troubles, although the left-back was fine to continue. Carried a greater threat in attack as the game wore on.

JOE RALLS

Looked like he’d never been away and slotted seamlessly back into the Bluebirds’ midfield after almost two months out of action. Delivered the corner for Morrison to open the scoring.

CRAIG BRYSON

Yet another energetic shift from the midfielder who will be ineligible to face parent club Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday night. Got to grips with the threat of Lolley and others after a nervy start. Taken off late on.

NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

Was unfortunate as little fell his way in the opening half. And it was pretty much the same story after the break. To his credit, the wideman put in a shift defensively, but he wasn’t able to replicate his recent run of form in attack.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Started brightly and caused Forest right-back Eric Lichaj plenty of problems. The visitors soon doubled up on the Canadian and his influence waned slightly, although his work-rate remained as high as ever. Became more effective again as the match opened up in the final half an hour.

KENNETH ZOHORE

Was isolated early on, but the Dane grew in confidence and really started to bully the Nottingham Forest defence. Hold-up play was impressive while his link-up play with Hoilett and Mendez-Laing helped the Bluebirds get a foothold. Almost made it 2-0 three minutes after the restart, although his chipped effort struck the frame of Forest’s goal. But overall, Neil Warnock will be delighted with the forward.