A solitary strike from Welsh international Robert Earnshaw earned promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest a narrow 1-0 victory over a Peterborough United side that stuck to their task, battled gamely and not only that, created numerous opportunities in front of goal.

It was a nightmare pre-match for Peterborough United as first injuries decimated the squad and then the team coach became stuck in traffic as it tried to get to London Road to transport the players to the City Ground. As a result, the players had to drive to the ground and some arrived at around 2.15pm before embarking on their warm-up.

Posh, wearing the Argentina-style shirt, had a good first few minutes of possession at a packed City Ground as they adjusted to the formation with Mark Little pairing Gabriel Zakuani at the heart of the defence.

In the driving rain, Forest won the first corner kick of the game on six minutes via the head of Zakuani, but the same player was fouled as the in-swinging set-piece was taken by Chris Cohen, who had been named the PFA Player of the Month ahead of kick-off.

At the other end, Chris Whelpdale advanced from his right-wing station to strike at goal, but his low skidding effort went wide of the target. However, despite some good play from the visitors, it was Forest who struck the first blow.

A cross from Cohen was helped back in at the back post by Anderson and EARNSHAW was there to finish from close-range to give the promotion-chasing hosts the lead. It was harsh on Jim Gannon's men, who had played some nice passing football, but both Cohen and Majewski were afforded time to create the goal for the Welsh international, who made no mistake.

Goalkeeper Joe Lewis made a fine save to deny the goal-scorer on 20 minutes after Forest caught Posh out with a swift counter-attack after Exodus Geohaghon had dallied in possession.

Lone striker Craig Mackail-Smith fashioned a chance for himself on 25 minutes atfer a low centre from Chris Whelpdale, but his sharp turn and shot was parried by goalkeeper Lee Camp.

Charlie Lee tested the goalkeeper from range before Posh created their best opportunity of the game as a wonderfully-timed pass from Torres picked out the rampaging Rowe down the left, he took a touch as he burst into the area before seeing his goal-bound low shot saved with the outstretched leg of Lee Camp.

Majewski was lucky to escape with just a caution after a dreadful challenge on Griffiths in front of the Posh dugout which had manager Jim Gannon protesting to the fourth official.

Geohaghon fired wide after a neat flick from Torres on the stroke of half-time as Posh again caused problems for their hosts.

Half-time: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Posh

Posh made two changes at the break with Dominic Green and Reuben Reid replacing the two full-backs, Charlie Lee slotting in at centre back and the excellent Mark Little reverting back to right-back.

The substitutions were a display of attacking intent from manager Jim Gannon and it seemed to pay off in the early exchanges as Posh pinned Forest back in their own half with Reid now supporting Mackail-Smith in attack.  Kelvin Wilson was booked for a tackle from behind on Mackail-Smith on 49 minutes.

Goalkeeper Camp was called into serious action from the resulting set-piece as Gabriel Zakuani powered a header goal-wards, Camp reacting brilliantly to tip the effort over the crossbar. He was denying Posh again moments later as Mackail-Smith's glancing header was gathered well by the shot-stopper. That seemed to galvanise the home faithful who were soon back supporting their side.

Forest won a succession of corners, which Posh defended well 10 minutes into the second period as the Reds went in search of this second goal to calm their nerves. A superb piece of individual skill from Dominic Green nearly provided the leveller moments later as his fierce left-wing cross was eventually cleared by a combination of Wes Morgan and Adam Chambers at the near post with Mackail-Smith lurking.

Green saw a shot somehow parried away by Camp on 68 minutes as his effort came through a sea of bodies as Posh continued to threaten this goal they thoroughly deserved for their efforts.

Joe Lewis made a superb fingertip save to deny Cohen from range and somehow the assistant referee missed the contact and awarded a goal-kick, meaning that he wasn't able to receive the true plaudits for the stop.

Substitute McCleary nearly scored with his first touch, in fact he would have, had it not been for a stunning save from Lewis, who pushed his left-foot shot away for a corner kick. Cohen was cautioned for a rash challenge on Torres in the middle of the park on 76 minutes.

Torres showed great skill to beat two defenders before his shot was deflected wide of the target, but again the corner was claimed by the impressive Camp, who has had to be at his best this afternoon to preserve the clean sheet his team currently have. Zakuani produced a fine header to deny Earnshaw a second on 84 minutes before the goal-scorer and possible match-winner was replaced by Dele Adebola.

Camp was named Man of the Match by the Nottingham Forest sponsors, which says a lot about this Posh performance, full of heart, commitment and at times, some very good football. Posh powered forward with Green pulling the strings in midfield and there was a penalty shout as Zakuani appeared to be tugged in the area from a Green corner kick four minutes from time, but the referee waved away muted protests.

Three minutes of added time was indicated, somewhat surprising given the substitutions and the amount of time it took for them to be completed, particularly the last one involving Earnshaw. McCleary did fire over in stoppage time after finding some space, but by that time, Posh were throwing bodies in search of a leveller that just eluded them.

Final Score: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Posh

Forest: Camp, Perch (sub Chambers 20min), Morgan, Wilson, Anderson, Earnshaw (sub Adebola 85min), Cohen, Gunter, Moussi, Blackstock, Majewski (sub McCleary 72min). Unused subs: Tyson, Garner, McGoldrick, Smith.

Posh: Lewis, Zakuani, Lee, Rowe, Little, Geohaghon, Gilbert (sub Green 46min), Griffiths (sub Reid 46min), Torres, Whelpdale, Mackail-Smith. Subs: McKeown, Day, Crook, Green, Koranteng, Simpson, Reid.

Attendance: 24,582 (1,684 Posh fans)