Virgil Gomis scored twice as Nottingham Forest strengthened their prospects of qualifying from Group A with a 3-1 win at Birmingham City.
Gomis opened the scoring on 13 minutes after racing on to a Toby Edser through-ball, before Edser scored himself six minutes later after being put clear by Aaron Smith.
Olly McCoy reduced the arrears for the hosts but Gomis struck again on 26 minutes to ensure Forest moved three points clear of their opponents and Middlesbrough in their section.
They are level on six points with first-placed Derby County, who beat Boro to lead the group on goal difference.
See: Birmingham report | Forest report
Next fixtures
Birmingham: 22 Jan v Derby (A) PL Cup
Forest: 19 Jan v Middlesbrough (A) PL Cup
