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On a bitterly cold afternoon, it was the visitors who had the first strike at goal and Jensen was either a superb judge, or a near embarrassed spectator when electing to watch Gardner's dipping volley strike the top of the bar in only the sixth minute.
A minute on and Clarets took the lead with their first real foray into Forest territory and the only on target home shot of the half. After a good first touch, Blake unleashed a fierce low right footed shot across Gerrard and though there seemed a deflection, the goal was credited to Blake for his first goal in seven games.
The goal steadied Clarets and unsteadied Forest, the visitors clearly low in confidence and lacking inspiration. As the half progressed the ground grew quieter, yet oohs and aahs were heard as Grantona's customary goal ward blast hit Row M in the twentieth minute, Clarets briefly upping the tempo.
Blake had the chance for a rare headed goal midway through the half, but sadly headed fresh air from Duff's delightful cross with Gerrard very grateful indeed.
Valois, when on the ball, showed great touch and inventiveness in the pass with his left footed wizardry yet he was sadly hamstrung once again and had to depart before the break to be replaced by the ever popular Ian Moore back from surgery and rehab before most expected.
The bad luck was also with the visitors and Jess replaced Perch ten minutes before the break in what was a largely disappointing half that finished with a flurry, Jensen equal to sub Jess' strike in injury time as Forest mustered their only on target effort in the half.
HT 1-0.
Clearly buoyed by a half time roasting Forest began the second half in earnest, with King the first to a great through ball that had the better of the otherwise superb McGreal and his central partner for the day Cahill, Sinclair still absent through injury. Jensen was equal to the threat and saved well at the feet of King as he looked to shoot.
Clarets responded well, Duff made good use of the right flank and McGreal was clearly pushed with both of Morgan's hands in the area, the blatant offence clearly missed by the eagled eyed trio and we could all take our seats once again after issuing a good deal of hot air and arm waving in the direction of the officials.
Sensing the need for more forward play, Forest replaced Rogers with Robertson, but it was the home side who almost stole a second, when Moore, having beaten the offside trap, tried to curl a low shot past Gerrard only for the 'keeper to save well, a goal kick given by Mr Messias and his spec saving mate on the line!
Such goal mouth action was a rare commodity and the game became scrappy as the half progressed, Clarets lacked urgency and a desire to press forwards, leaving Forest time themselves to try and break down the hard working Clarets defensive lines.
With the pattern of the game set as Forest elected for long balls into the area, McGreal, Cahill and co. were up to the task as were the busy midfielders in Grantona and O'Connor in closing down any central play.
Duffy was booked for an innocuous foul before former favourite Johnson was given a final fifteen minute run out at the expense of Evans, a move that proved fruitless for Johnson in his wide left role.
T'other favourite Taylor repeated Blake's first half fresh air header, missing a gilt edged chance fifteen minutes from time. On this occasion both the linesman and fourth official were treated to a reminder of the offside rule by Clarets management team pacing furiously about their technical area.
As Clarets looked to a "protect what you've got" policy, Grant was almost caught five minutes from time when robbed by Dawson, but once again Jensen came to the rescue with an elementary save enabling the three points to go the way of the Clarets.
Though far from a classic, this was a game more about the result than the quality of the game, the post-match hum up Harry Potts Way reflecting many a positive mood from departing home fans.
FT 1-0.
Att:- 11,622
Sour grapes.
With Forest looking a poor side, this was probably Clarets best chance to go goalden as the pre-match coverage suggested. However, not many will bemoan the small tally in the goals for column, if the team continue to collect points at the current rate.
A fine Claret.
The stadium vote went to Mo Camara, but my vote goes to John McGreal for yet another commanding performance at the heart of defence. With young Cahill alongside he kept Taylor and King to one shot between them over the course of the game in yet another assured and confident display