Forest chop down Saints

Garner: Crucial second

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Improving Nottingham Forest have closed to within a point of Southampton after securing a priceless 2-0 success at St Mary's.

Once Wes Morgan broke the deadlock before half-time the visitors always looked good for the points.

Former Carlisle United striker Joe Garner added a second for Colin Calderwood's men on 75 minutes to wrap up the win and pile more pressure on Jan Poortvliet.

After a dour opening 15 minutes the game suddenly burst into life when both sides went close to breaking the deadlock.

First Paul Anderson thought he had scored when, from six yards out, he sent a low shot goalwards but somehow Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis deflected the ball wide with an outstretched leg.

Moments later it was the hosts who almost scored as a strong Andrew Surman shot rebounded off the post and out to safety.

Anderson, on loan from Liverpool, was denied again by Davis after 27 minutes. This time the winger sent a curling 20-yard shot towards the top corner which Davis brilliantly tipped over the bar.

Opening goal

But the reprieve did not last long as some slack marking allowed Morgan to head home from seven yards.

The visitors, buoyed by their opening goal on the stroke of half-time, began the second half much the brighter and could have added to their lead on a couple of occasions.

Garner had a decent chance when, after finding some space in the area, the former Carlisle striker header over when he should have hit the target.

Then Brendan Moloney had a chance with a header which he sent wide of the post.

Despite looking susceptible at the back Southampton played some nice football in the middle of the park, but they were restricted to long-range efforts with Jack Cork sending a shot over from 30 yards.

As the hosts pushed for an equaliser the game was put to bed 15 minutes from time as Garner showed great vision to chip Davis from 30 yards for his fourth goal of the season.