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Nottingham Forest's early onslaught earned a fourth successive home league win, despite a late MK Dons revival.

The hosts took the lead after just two minutes when Nelson Oliveira fired a left-footed shot past David Martin.

Ryan Mendes then stabbed in at the second attempt from a Daniel Pinillos cross to double Forest's lead.

The Dons rallied but Dorus de Vries saved Nicky Maynard's penalty before Josh Murphy's first-time strike set up a nervous finish.

MK Dons went into the game with just one away victory all season and were soon facing an uphill battle when Oliveira rifled in his fifth goal of the season from Mendes' through-ball.

De Vries was forced into a save by Rob Hall's free-kick but it was soon 2-0, with Mendes getting in front of Dean Lewington to finish while on the ground.

Oliveira then rolled a shot wide after being put through one-on-one with Martin by Mendes' header.

As the Dons responded, De Vries made a save with his legs from Dean Bowditch's shot before Oliveira struck the post with a dipping shot from 30 yards.

The introduction of Murphy from the bench gave the visitors further impetus and he won a penalty when Eric Lichaj dragged him down, but De Vries guessed correctly to keep out Maynard's spot-kick.

Murphy played a one-two with Lewington and swept into the bottom corner to finally reduce the deficit, but Forest held on to make it five Championship games unbeaten.

The win moves Forest up to 13th, while MK Dons drop to 21st, just a point above the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman:

"We had to make sure we defended properly in the last 10 or 15 minutes and credit to the lads for that.

"MK Dons had nothing to lose and they threw on a few subs and fired the ball into the box.

"But what really pleased me was the start to the game we made. We got two goals, could have got three in the first 20 minutes had Nelson put away another chance.

"Nelson has that cutting edge and he is only going to get better for us."

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson:

"I thought we were the best team, beyond our mistakes in the first half.

"I thought we dominated territorially. We created chances. The difference is when you have the kind of quality players that Forest do playing against you.

"But we have pushed them hard by playing good passing football, not by lumping the ball into the box or kicking them.

"I am proud of the way we came to Forest and played. I did think we were going to get something out of the game. Our substitutions made us stronger."