When Ryan Yates powered in Matty Cash’s cross a minute after the hour mark, a sense of relief could be felt all around the City Ground.
Given the disappointment of the defeat to Cardiff on Trentside in Nottingham Forest's last home game, holding onto three points against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night would have been a real confidence booster going into a busy festive period, a time when the Reds usually encounter some difficulty.
As it was, the Reds failed to build on that lead given to them by the returning Yates and that always presented a risk as the game entered its final stages, and Boro, without a win on the road this season, were always likely to fashion a chance.
And that chance came from the penalty spot when Jack Robinson was caught out of position and hacked down Marvin Johnson, albeit replays suggest that happened outside the box.
Paddy McNair, Boro’s best player on the night thumped the ball past Brice Samba to secure a point and ensure Forest’s City Ground frustrations grew.
After the game, Nottinghamshire Live’s Sarah Clapson and Barry Cooper reflected on the night and looked ahead to Saturday’s home date with Sheffield Wednesday.
