McGugan strike~keeps Forest in hunt

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McGugan struck with six minutes left on Saturday to earn the three points demanded by boss Colin Calderwood, and ensure the battle for second spot in League One goes down to the final day of the season.

The best first-half chances went Forest’s way, but James Perch sent a close-range shot wide after a weak clearance from a corner landed for him and home keeper Arran Lee-Barrett saved with his leg as Nathan Tyson raced clear and threatened to score after 25 minutes.

Hartlepool got into the game towards half-time, but James Brown’s low long-range shot was easily saved by Paul Smith, and the keeper was then pleased to see a volley from Ben Clark curl wide of the target.

In the second half, Tyson missed two good chances when he headed off-target from close range, but McGugan did the trick when he took one touch in the area and finished well from 15 yards in front of the delighted Forest travelling fans before fellow sub Kris Commons hit the crossbar a minute later.