Cardiff City ran out 2-1 winners in their away match against Nottingham Forest today, with Kenwyne Jones and Joe Mason scoring for the visitors before a late Michail Antonio goal gave the hosts hope in the final ten minutes.

With Deadline Day approaching on Tuesday, it was also interesting to keep an eye on key players such as Antonio and David Marshall with both teams having individuals that could leave the club in the next few days.

In what was an interesting game at the City Ground, I look into three things that we learnt from the encounter.

 

1. Michail Antonio may have played his last game for Forest

It will be very interesting to see if Michail Antonio steps out onto the pitch at Loftus Road in two weeks' time in what will be Forest's next match.

It is hardly surprising that Antonio is continuously linked with a move away from the club, still scoring in today's game despite not playing anywhere near his full potential.

Some fans argued that the 25-year-old winger did not look interested today and, if he is still a Nottingham Forest player by Tuesday evening, the Reds will have done tremendously well to keep who is undeniably one of the best players in the Championship.

 

2. Cardiff City could most definitely be promotion contenders

Consistency has been the biggest problem since manager Russell Slade took over in October last season, but they finally look to be finding some form under the former Leyton Orient boss.

The Bluebirds put in an exceptional away performance against Forest, with their front two of Kenwyne Jones and Joe Mason looking a real nuisance throughout.

If Slade can keep some key individuals such as Jones, Mason, Bruno Manga and Peter Whittingham fully fit throughout the course of the season, then it is hard to see them outside the top six this season if they can still keep their consistency.

The Bluebirds custodian David Marshall kept Forest at bay numerous times in the match, which will not have done the club any favours regarding interest from West Bromwich Albion.

With the Baggies still interested in Marshall, it could be a busy for days for the club - like Forest.

 

3. Forest need a goalscorer... and fast

On games like today, it is clear to see that prolific goalscorer Britt Assombalonga is being missed more and more by the Forest faithful.

Despite another very good and mature performance from youngster Tyler Walker leading the line on his own, Dougie Freedman's side are crying out for a striker to take their chances.

Although Cardiff stopper Marshall was brilliant, the Reds need a talented forward who can fill the void whilst Assombalonga is absent.

After watching today, the Forest fans will be having their fingers crossed that their manager pulls one out the bag.

Names that have been rumoured are Sheffield Wednesday's Stevie May as well as Watford's Matej Vydra, both potentially capable of filling that void, the latter more reliable.

If the Reds do not get a striker that can fire them to a few wins, it may be a long season for those at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City fans... What did you make of the game today? Can Cardiff be promotion contenders? Will Michail Antonio stay? Who should Forest sign to help them score some goals? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!