Team news

Boyd back for Forest Nottingham Forest will have George Boyd available for the visit of Crystal Palace.

The on-loan winger was ineligible to face his parent club at the weekend as the Reds claimed a 1-0 win over Peterborough.

But James Perch is a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury against Posh and if he fails to recover in time Luke Chambers, his replacement on Saturday, could deputise.

Captain Paul McKenna (ankle), defenders Julian Bennett (knee) and Joel Lynch (thigh) and forward Garath McCleary (knee) continue to battle against their respective injuries as the Reds look to continue their formidable home form.

Robert Earnshaw scored the only goal against Peterborough as Billy Davies' men secured an 11th successive home win in the Championship.

Palace will check on Nathaniel Clyne ahead of the trip.

The young full-back missed Saturday's 2-2 draw at Blackpool due to a groin injury with Lee Hills taking his place in the starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Julian Speroni should be fine despite suffering a nasty gash to his leg and midfielder Neil Danns will play despite an ongoing back problem.

Claude Davis is in the middle of a three-match ban but fellow centre-half Paddy McCarthy is on the comeback trail after nearly five months out following a shoulder op and could be involved.

Boss Paul Hart returns to the club he managed between 2001 and 2004 with his current side in the relegation zone.

Nottm Forest 2-0 Crystal Palace

Last modified 16:52 06/04/10

Record-breaking Forest ground Eagles Nottingham Forest kept their Coca-Cola Championship automatic promotion hopes alive with a club-record equalling 12th successive home league win as they beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-0.

Wes Morgan and substitute Nathan Tyson scored the goals as Billy Davies` side matched the figures for consecutive City Ground victories set under the legendary Brian Clough 30 years ago.

Palace were reduced in number when Matthew Lawrence was sent off for deliberate handball six minutes into the second half.

However, the south London club would have snatched a point soon afterwards but for the agility of Lee Camp. Darren Ambrose`s free-kick was heading for the top corner but the Forest keeper tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The win moved the Reds to within five points of second-placed West Brom who host Coventry tomorrow night, while Palace remain in the relegation zone.

Both sides made one change to their starting line-up. James Perch suffered an ankle injury at the weekend so Luke Chambers was recalled in defence for Forest. On his return to the City Ground, Palace boss Paul Hart brought in Stern John for Nick Carle.

The former Forest boss suffered an early setback when Danny Butterfield pulled up with an injury after just five minutes. Sean Scannell replaced him.

In a first-half of very few chances, Palace keeper Julian Speroni was called into action soon afterwards to tip Anderson`s long-range effort around a post and Robert Earnshaw shot into the side-netting after allowing the ball to run away from him.

At the other end, Camp pushed a fiercely-struck Ambrose free-kick away for a corner.

It looked like the first 45 minutes would finish goalless until Morgan belied his position as a centre-half by stroking the ball into the top corner from outside the area following good work down the left-hand side by Anderson.

Some sloppy Palace play almost saw Forest extend their lead at the start of the second half. A long ball forward sent Dexter Blackstock clear but rather than shoot he opted to pass to his striker partner Earnshaw whose effort was blocked.

Lawrence received his marching orders after he misjudged the bounce of the ball and prevented Earnshaw from racing through on goal.

But Palace responded well to the sending off and only a fine save from Camp to deny Ambrose kept Davies` side ahead.