An error by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith saw Carlisle United climb to second in League One as they claimed a 1-0 success at the City Ground thanks to an enterprising goal from Danny Graham.

Graham showed the awareness to pounce on a ball that squirted away from Smith and curl a firm shot in off the far post from a tight angle in the 71st minute.

Forest and the Cumbrians headed into the encounter aware that victory would see one of them rise into the automatic promotion places.

Both sides began the game full of endeavour, but clear-cut chances were few and far between early on as the players struggled to find their range.

But Forest soon began to create and Kris Commons threatened twice in a matter of minutes - striking an effort down the throat of goalkeeper Kieran Westwood before twisting on the edge of the area and firing wide.

Carlisle responded though, capitalising on a Kelvin Wilson error; but Grant Smith lacked composure as he blazed over from inside the area.

Goalscoring opportunities continued to present themselves and the home side went close when Julian Bennett's close-range header was expertly tipped over by Westwood in the 27th minute.

With the first half drawing to a close, Forest had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Martin Atkinson after Grant Holt's arm appeared to make contact with Evan Horwood's head just inside the penalty area.

Five minutes into the second period Marc Bridge-Wilkinson lashed at thin air after the impressive David Raven had drilled a tantalising ball across the face of the goal.

Graham put his side ahead with less than 20 minutes left. Home goalkeeper Smith burst out of his goal in an attempt to retrieve a loose ball only to fumble his claim, allowing Graham the chance to finish.

Colin Calderwood's side rallied, but failed to test Westwood again until the 83rd minute when Commons's wicked free-kick was acrobatically parried away.

Sporting Life / Eurosport