NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-1-4-1):

De Vries 6; Lichaj 7, Mills 6 (Hobbs 18, 6), Wilson 5, Pinillos 5; Lansbury 4, Vaughan 6; Osborn 5 (Ward 46, 6), Oliveira 6 (Williams 75), MENDES 7; O’Grady 5.

Subs (not used): Ward (gk), Evtimov, Burke, Grant, Blackstock.

 

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1):

9 KONSTANTOPOULOS: Had already four hugely important saves before he kept out Lansbury’s penalty with his legs

7 Nsue: Is growing with every performance and once again combined some resolute defending with some slick attacking play

8 Ayala: Was a towering presence at the heart of the back four and also chipped in with the winning goal from a header

5 Gibson: Had looked a little shaky for most of the game and wasn’t under a lot of pressure when he inexplicably conceded a penalty

7 Friend: A big influence in defence in the second half and charged forward to deliver the cross for Nugent’s opener

6 Leadbitter: Overshadowed by his partner in defensive midfield, but made some important interventions in the second half

8 Clayton: The best player on the pitch as he broke up a succession of Forest attacks in the first half and remained influential throughout

7 Stuani: Started on the right-hand side, but had licence to drift inside and came close to scoring with a powerful late shot  

7 Downing: Looked at home in the number ten role – should have scored in the first half and curled just over in the second

6 Adomah: Completed his rehabilitation as he was restored to the starting line-up, and his commitment couldn’t be questioned

7 Nugent: Claimed his second Boro goal with an instinctive poacher’s finish and was a powerful attacking presence throughout

 

Subs:

6 Fabbrini (for Adomah, 58): Ensured Boro retained a counter-attacking threat but also tracked back diligently in the final half hour

5 Kike (for Nugent, 67): Came on as Boro found themselves under the cosh, but didn’t retain possession as effectively as the player he replaced

Forshaw (for Stuani, 87)

(not used): Mejias (gk), Kalas, Amorebieta, de Pena.

 

Man Of The Match: DIMI KONSTANTOPOULOS – It was a close call, with Ayala and Clayton both superb, but having erred on Tuesday, the Greek goalkeeper bounced back in style as he made a pivotal penalty save.