for Nottingham Forest, Bermudian striker Shawn Goater stole the spotlight, scoring the only goal as Manchester City beat Forest 1-0 yesterday to move into second place in the English First Division.

Goater netted his third goal of the season in the 13th minute as City won before a sell-out home crowd of just under 32,000. It was their third successive 1-0 win and their sixth clean sheet since losing to Wolves on the opening day of the season.

City have conceded just one goal in seven league and cup games so far and are already in the thick of the promotion race. They were just promoted from the Second Division last season while Forest were relegated from the Premiership.

City had to hang on for the three points in a nerve-jangling last few minutes.

Twice Forest hit the woodwork in the second half as City rode their luck.

Goater should have added a second goal five minutes into the second half when he was left with just 'keeper Mark Crossley to beat. He steadied himself for a shot from an acute angle but was slow in firing and a Forest defender got back to clear off the line.

At the other end Wright shot against the outside of a post and then Forest defender Steve Chettle struck the base of a post with a 30-yard free kick.

City, who trail leaders Ipswich by three points, travel to Norwich on Saturday.

Goater: decisive strike