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.
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