Chris Bart-Williams' early free-kick settle an uninspiring contest at the City Ground and moved Forest closer to the Division One play-off zone tonight.

The striker's superb effort after less than two minutes ended Barnsley's run of three straight victories under new manager Nigel Spackman.

But the home side can feel fortunate to have claimed all three points from a match that saw Tykes goalkeeper Kevin Miller rarely troubled.

Boss David Platt will, however, be delighted to have triumphed in what he described as a 'must-win' game.

The home support were left holding their breath as the Yorkshire outfit piled on the pressure in the second half and had a justifiable penalty claim turned down.

Forest began in the best possible fashion from the first set-piece of the game with just over a minute on the clock.

Bart-Williams elected to take the free-kick, awarded 25 yards out from Miller's goal - and the former Crystal Palace goalkeeper stood little chance as the ball rocketed high to his right into the net.

Barnsley should have levelled after 10 minutes, with the culprit surprisingly their top scorer Bruce Dyer.

Neil Shipperley embarked on a pacy run down the left before firing a powerful shot that veteran stopper Dave Beasant could only beat into the path of Dyer - but the 25-year-old blasted high and wastefully over.

Other than that neither goalkeeper was threatened until just before half time.

First ex-Forest man Shipperley wasted two good opportunities, Beasant parrying a close-range shot and then the forward heading over.

Then in the dying seconds of the half David Johnson should have doubled the hosts' lead when clear on goal - but he shot straight at Miller.

The second half began badly for the hosts who had American loan star Ben Olsen carried off on a stretcher.

Spackman made a double substitution early in the second half, bringing on Alex Neil and Martin Bullock - and their introduction immediately transformed the visitors' attacking options.

Another chance fell to former City Ground favourite Shipperley in the 59th minute. But his turn and shot - after good work by Bullock - dragged wide of Beasant's left post.

Two minutes later youngster Keith Foy very nearly doubled his season's tally at the other end, but his shot after a strong run flashed agonisingly across the Tykes' goal.

Barnsley were beginning to create more up front, with Shipperley in particular making a nuisance of himself in the penalty area.

They had a clear case for a penalty in the 76th minute when Neil was sent tumbling - but the referee thought otherwise to the dismay of the away bench.

Barnsley continued to press and almost snatched a leveller late on when Bullock's effort fell just wide.