Nottingham Forest secured a 3-0 victory over Fulham at the City Ground thanks to a brace from Matt Mills and a Chris O'Grady finish.

The visitors had two early chances to take the lead, as Matt Smith headed over in the opening minute before Ross McCormack's own aerial attempt was equalled by Forest keeper Dorus de Vries.

Smith had another headed attempt midway through the first half, but could only watch as De Vries got down to save the low effort.

Fulham continued to put pressure on the Forest defence, and came close to going ahead through an own goal when Ben Pringle's cross was diverted just beyond the post by Mills.

Ben Osborn was able to threaten for Forest as the 30-minute mark approached, but Richard Stearman did well to block six yards away from goal.

Despite having much pressure thrown at them during the half, it was Forest who took the lead just before the break when Mills headed in from close range.

Dougie Freedman's side then doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half, with O'Grady pouncing after Fulham keeper Joe Lewis parried a long-range drive from Nelson Oliveira.

Tom Cairney attempted to cut Forest's lead in half with just under half-an-hour remaining, but his effort fired the wrong side of the post.

The Nottingham-born midfielder had another chance with 15 minutes left but failed to properly connect with McCormack's cross, heading wide from six yards out.

Forest took full advantage of Fulham's missed opportunities, and secured all three points when Mills grabbed his second of the game with 12 minutes remaining, connecting with David Vaughan's corner to head in.

The result moves Forest above their opponents and into 15th, with Fulham dropping three places to 16th.