Nottingham Forest 1 Coventry City 0

ONLY a month ago, the City Ground was gripped with a mood of despair and trepidation.

Now, while their Championship future is far from completely secure, Nottingham Forest fans can almost allow themselves to look to the future with a sense of optimism and hope.

And, equally significantly, they can reflect on the fact that they themselves have played a significant role in their revival.

Back in March, a sense of fear and nervousness prevailed, following a dispiriting, undeserved defeat at the hands of Wolves. A third consecutive loss had left Forest two points adrift of safety in the bottom three and, seemingly, with a bleak outlook as an immediate return to League One loomed on the horizon.

But as manager Billy Davies himself testified, the change in mood since has been like night and day, following a composed, hard-fought win over Coventry City amid an electric atmosphere.

Two wins and a pair of draws in April may not have carried the club over the finishing line.

But they have engineered a belief that survival is eminently achievable, possibly even as soon as this weekend when the resurgent Reds travel to face a Blackpool side that, having suffered ten defeats, has lost as many times on home soil as any other club in the Championship.

The Tangerines may have condemned Charlton to relegation at the Valley on Saturday, as an injury time equaliser from Lee Hughes earned them the point that is likely to secure their Championship status for another season.

But, with Forest in determined mood, you get the impression that Blackpool will face a tough task if they are to have another influential say in the relegation dog fight.

And, to be blunt, if Forest are worthy of another season of Championship football, then they should be capable of securing victory at Bloomfield Road.

But, even if they do stutter again, they are almost certain to still be left with another opportunity to retain their place in the second-tier, when struggling Southampton visit Nottingham on the final day of the season.

And, if the City Ground can generate the same cauldron of noise and intimidation as was created for the visit of Coventry City on Saturday, then that is a considerable ace to have tucked up their sleeve.

Because, following a nervy, anxious first half, this was a match that Forest simply never seemed likely to lose.

An astonishing miss from Freddy Eastwood, who fired wide when presented with an open goal from only a few yards by an incisive square ball from Clinton Morrison, let Forest off the hook during a insipid first period in which Coventry edged possession.

But the home side could themselves still have taken the lead when Luke Chambers rose powerfully on the edge of the six-yard box to thump a thunderous header against the bar.

And, following some half-time cajoling from Davies, Forest fired into life almost instantly.

The game's critical moment came as the inspirational figure of Lewis McGugan turned neatly on the right side before bending a left-foot cross into the box.

Dexter Blackstock, a striker whose long-term future is likely to be with Forest if their Championship status is secured, played his part in achieving that goal as he controlled neatly before laying off an intelligent ball to James Perch, who drove a decisive left-foot finish low into the net from eight yards.

It was fitting that the goal came from the boot of a player who is often much maligned, but whose dedication and commitment has personified the qualities that have helped Forest edge closer to safety.

Chris Cohen's work-rate and desire have made him a favourite among the fans and he almost gave them something to cheer about as he robbed Danny Fox before lifting a driven shot high towards goal and forcing an impressive save from Kieran Westwood.

Garath McCleary fired wildly over after a flowing move resulted in a fine shooting chance for him from eight yards out and a desperate Elliott Ward clearance off the line, following a clever back-heel from Joe Garner, cannoned off Blackstock and narrowly wide of the post.

Otherwise, Forest rarely managed to carve out further clear-cut chances. But, backed by some passionate support from the stands, they rarely looked like allowing Coventry a route back into the game.

Even during a tense finale when the visitors repeatedly launched high balls into the box, Forest's steadfast back four did not allow them a meaningful sight of goal.

This kind of resolute defending has been the cornerstone of the Reds' recent revival.

And it will be required again in the north-west, as Forest go in search of the result that would, in all likelihood – with rivals Norwich having suffered a critical 3-2 defeat in the local derby at Ipswich yesterday – fend off the threat of relegation.

But, with the likes of Robert Earnshaw and Nathan Tyson also likely to be fit, Forest's attacking power will, vitally, also be bolstered.

And, with 1,754 Forest fans making the journey up the M6 to offer their support, Forest's mood could be lifted even further, even before their relegation rivals kick-off. By the time the Reds return to the City Ground for the final fixture of the season, they will be hoping that the atmosphere will be one of celebration and that, once and for all, the fear of relegation that was so prevalent just a few weeks ago, is consigned to the past.

paul.taylor@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk