Nottingham Forest 3-0 Barnsley

Lee Tomlin joined Nottingham Forest on loan from Cardiff City in January

Barnsley missed the opportunity to move out of the Championship relegation zone as Nottingham Forest condemned them to defeat at the City Ground.

The Tykes remain two points adrift of 21st-placed Bolton with two games to play and safety now out of their hands.

Lee Tomlin was the orchestrator of Forest's win, brilliantly curling the hosts ahead before teeing up Ben Brereton for a tap in to make it 2-0.

Apostolos Vellios slotted in late on to seal victory for the home side.

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It was an impressive showing from Aitor Karanka's team, who are 17th in the Championship and already assured of their place in the second tier next season.

The Tykes' hopes of joining Forest now rely on results elsewhere during the remaining fortnight of the season, with Reading, Birmingham and Bolton the three teams still within catching distance.

Barnsley host Brentford on Saturday before travelling to Derby on the final day of the season - with Bolton's match against fellow strugglers Burton in their penultimate fixture potentially crucial in deciding who goes down.