Nottingham Forest moved up to fourth in the First Division with a ruthless victory over struggling Bradford.

Jack Lester, David Johnson and Mathieu Louis-Jean all headed first half goals as Forest continued their impressive form.

Forest took the early lead on 16 minutes, with top scorer Johnson showing he can make as well as take chances.

The former Ipswich striker ghosted down the wing and clipped in a tantalising cross which Lester despatched with a neat header.

Eight minutes later it was two, and normal service was resumed with Johnson bagging his 17th of the season and his 100th league goal.

Jim Brennan made a good run down the left wing and crossed to the near post where Johnson connected with a superb flying header to double Forest's advantage.

Bradford showed little as an attacking force, although Paul Evans' 20-yard free-kick on the half hour at least tested home goalkeeper Darren Ward.

Aidan Davison made a smart save from a close-range Lester header a couple of minutes later but there was nothing he could do to prevent a third Forest goal in the 36th minute.

Riccardo Scimeca's corner caused panic in the Bradford back line and, after a bit of head tennis, Louis-Jean got up to head home.

After the fireworks of the first half, the second period got off to a slow start, with both sides seemingly content to try their luck from long range.

Bradford's Delroy Facey, on loan from Bolton, should really have added to the goal he scored on his debut last week in the 62nd minute.

Form the third of three corners in quick succession, the former Huddersfield striker found himself unmarked six yards out, but headed just wide.

Forest went straight up the other end and carved out an equally presentable opportunity for Marlon Harewood but the Forest striker shot wide from six yards.

Nottm Forest: Ward, Louis-Jean, Brennan, Dawson, Walker, Scimeca, Williams, Prutton, Lester, Johnson, Harewood. Subs: Jess, Roche, Doig, Hjelde, Reid.

Bradford: Davison, Molenaar, Bower, Emanuel, Francis, Evans, Standing, Gray, Singh, Facey, Juanjo. Subs: Beach, Fishlock, Reid, Tomlinson, Danks.

Referee: J P Robinson (E Yorkshire).