Scorers: McCleary (31), Miller (pen 52).

As two teams from in the bottom third of the Championship clashed it was apparent why neither were challenging Birmingham City at the other end. Yet a game that at times wasn't pleasing on the eye did have its moments of quality.

Forest had a dream start ruled out buy a correct offside flag, to deny Gareth McCleary a goal after he finished from he edge of the 6yard box.

Forest had started with a good tempo and it wasn't until around the twenty minute mark that Ipswich got into this tie. And when they did it was only the Forest cross-bar that prevented them taking the lead.

Jonathon Walters released a thunderbolt from the left side, around 35 yards out, seeing the ball rise over on-loan goalie Lee Camp then dip significantly, before crashing against the woodwork.

Forest got their deserved lead on the half hour mark. The ball, only half cleared from a forest corner, fell to McCleary 25 yards out, who smashed it low past former England goalie Richard Wright.

Ipswich's play was neat and precise at times and only some brave blocking and a superb, last ditch challenge by Julian Bennett on Walters denied Ipswich any joy before half Time.

Forest had introduced their fans to three players making their home debuts, with Carl Fletcher struggling to get to grips with Ipswich's midfield in the first Period. Lee camp, on loan from QPR, was largely un-called upon throughout the night but it was winger James Anderson who would have the biggest impact.

On an attacking front the wide man looked bright, quick and clever, nearly scoring in the first period from a clever through ball by Andrew Cole. It was in the 51st minute however where Anderson would make his most telling contribution.

Tracking back with Ipswich wide man Alan Quinn, Anderson got in a tangle, bringing Quinn down in the box for an easy penalty decision for referee Laws.

Tommy Miller duly despatched the spot kick, seemingly a little harsh for Camp, having not really being tested before or indeed afterwards.

The game grew scrappy and despite both sides showing plenty of effort and endeavour it was the lack of quality and composure that shone through the brightest. Lewis McGugan came on for Forest but with the exception of a few well placed passes was unable to stem the Ipswich domination in the middle of the park.

The game ended all square as Forest put an end to their losing streak, although the boos that rang round the ground at the final whistle would indicate that the Forest faithful, nearly twenty thousand for a bottom club is admirable, thought the result and performance were still not good enough.

Calls for CC's head dominated local phone-in shows on the radio as Forest now slump to a 6 point gap from safety. Good periods of attacking play are overshadowed by sloppy, unconvincing, awkward looking defending and a lack of imagination across the midfield.

Forest will need more bite and tenacity on Saturday for their visit of Cardiff, a team currently 5th in the championship and showing all the features of last season that saw them make the FA Cup final.

Failure to win on Saturday, presuming a defeat away at Derby the following Sunday and this could well be CC's last home game in charge of Forest. My wish is for you to succeed Colin, so for your sake and my sanity, let's go and get three points.

Alan March
Commentator for visually impaired spectators at Nottingham Forest and Wembley Stadium.