Leeds United 3 Nottingham Forest 7

 Garath McCleary scored four times as Nottingham Forest humiliated Leeds at Elland Road to leave the home side’s Championship promotion hopes in tatters.

The Whites looked to be on course for their first home win under Warnock when Robert Snodgrass slotted home an early penalty but a stunning strike from on-loan midfielder Adlene Guedioura and McCleary’s first goal of a memorable evening gave Forest a half-time lead.

Dexter Blackstock made it 3-1 early in the second half but Leeds fought back with two goals in as many minutes from Luciano Becchio and Michael Brown to draw level.

Forest were not to be denied, though, and they ran riot against a poor Leeds defence as the hugely impressive McCleary struck three times in the space of 15 minutes to stun the Leeds faithful.

Blackstock added a seventh goal as Forest gave their hopes of avoiding relegation a massive boost and left Leeds – who conceded seven goals in a league game at Elland Road for the first time in their history – shell-shocked.

Warnock cut a dejected figured in the technical area as he was taunted by the Forest fans and on this evidence his hopes of securing a play-off place will have to wait until next season.

He admitted he was cringing as the goals flew in.

“I’m quite embarrassed about the result,” said Warnock. “But I don’t think you learn much about your players when you’re winning, you learn things when things go against you, who stands up and who you want in the trenches with you.

“I’ve learnt probably more than I have in the other games, but in fairness some of them were just shattered.

“We’re a bit thin on the ground, but I don’t think the centre-backs played poorly, I just thought every shot was going to go in.

“We’ve fought back really well but the fourth goal was terrible, it was a Sunday League goal. You’ve got to be stronger mentally in certain areas to avoid results like that.”