For the first 45 minutes this was a timorous stand-off between two sides with very little on the agenda - and it was dull.
Lounging in the spring’s first real burst of sunshine I could comfortably have dozed off, and the half-time hugs and kisses in the "groundbreaking integration scheme" nearly finished the job.
But Forest are a settled side now, and for the first time in months quality alone supplied the points.
The tantrums and mood-swings both on and off the field have subsided, automatic promotion has been stoically conceded, the loss of players to both injury and frugality has at last been taken on the chin.
With dummies back in mouths Forest are a force to be reckoned with and the second half showed it.
Ipswich didn't come to contain or absorb, they had a spirited jab at Forest but the opening goal sent them sprawling.
Guy Moussi has grown into the side in the absence of McKenna, Tyson had his strongest game from the flank in some time, we defended bruskly but effectively.
A 3-0 win probably exaggerates our dominance, but midway through the second half I stirred from my slumber and realised that Ipswich had vanished without trace.
For all the po-faced debates about desirable play-off opponents, it’s worth remembering that we’re the team others will be looking to avoid.
From week to week my play-off aspirations and trepidations are wavering. The comfort with which we restrained Cardiff, in third gear throughout, and the ease of today’s points has restored my optimism.
I can still picture a weak-kneed Forest side crumbling without explanation against a fitter, healthier, hungrier Wembley opponent.
It’s a symptom of joining the Forest ranks in the mid-1990s with the descent in full throttle. It just fits in with Forest’s way.
But in his time at the club Billy Davies has treated the ‘Forest way’ with nothing but contempt. And the closer we get, the more I am starting to believe.
NB Condolences to Chandler Corner’s ‘jesus’ the steward who will surely be dismissed for having a sense of humour. The orange-coated Mediterranean security chief, a would-be Jason Bourne figure, was furious at the obvious signs of humanity.
Your job is to absorb and incinerate passion and interest, he will surely be told.
Ratings:
Camp – 7 – a quiet afternoon, dependable in the most part and gobbled up a couple of in-swinging second half corners.
Chambers – 7 – fairly trouble-free performance and, albeit by accident, he’s again on the scoresheet. I wasn’t exactly looking to the skies for answers as he hobbled off, but he’s doing ok.
Wilson – 7 – prone to dozey moments at either ends of the season and somebody will need to hit him with a wet fish before the play-offs. But he did the business today.
Morgan – 7.5 – a wall of a man. Sat Navs should come equipped with an ‘Avoid Wes Morgan’ option for the Championship’s ailing forwards. Give the man a pay-rise.
Gunter – 7 – having quality like Chris Gunter in our side is one of the main reasons why we’re in this position. Back in my day, lad, it were Nicky Eaden or Gino Padula.
Tyson – 7 – Ipswich are not bruisers and there was a lot of space on offer. Personally I felt he took advantage, though rather hap-hazardly, with an improved performance. In any case, he’s still a centre forward or nothing for me.
Moussi – 8 – he still has plenty of Ali Dia moments, but Billy is currently building the team around him in McKenna’s absence and he is stepping up to the plate.
Cohen – 7 – standard Cohen stuff. I’d give him a break now.
Anderson – 7 – the whippet. He’ll do damage between now and the end of the season because his energy is flawless.
Blackstock – 6.5 – another candidate for a short break.
Earnshaw – 7 – a busy afternoon, and a lot more effort than last week. When he needs goals, he gets them.
Subs:
Nah, can’t be arsed. Give them all a 7.
