PLAYER RATINGS
BRICE SAMBA:
Came to his team’s rescue with a couple of big saves in the first half, thwarting Hayden Couldon and Britt Assombalonga. Couldn’t get across in time to prevent the winner. Rating: 6/10 CYRUS CHRISTIE:
Made to pay for a mistake which led to Boro scoring. Caught napping as Marvin Johnson got away from him. Rating: 4/10 TOBIAS FIGUEIREDO:
Made some important blocks. Looked like it was going to be enough to earn a clean sheet but the hosts eventually made their pressure count. Rating: 5/10 SCOTT MCKENNA:
Immense at the back and gets better with every game. Headed and cleared pretty much everything in his path. Good at instructing his team-mates, too. Rating: 8/10 GAETAN BONG:
Looked like he’d never be seen again after his debut but was a completely different player at the Riverside.has done well for Hughton before and the manager put his faith in him. Made a superb tackle in the second half. Rating: 5/10 JACK COLBACK:
Midfield in general was too flat at times and had their work cut out as Boro pressed. Got stuck in as he continues to build up his fitness. Rating: 5/10 RYAN YATES:
Will be having nightmares from that horror back-pass which almost proved costly. Didn’t let it bother him, though. One day one of his headers will go in! Rating: 5/10 SAMMY AMEOBI:
Guilty of a few too many sloppy passes in a pretty lacklustre first half. Second game in a row the winger has made way at the break. Rating: 5/10 LUKE FREEMAN:
Far from being the only one but was a bit off the mark. Got into some decent positions, just couldn’t get the final ball right. Rating: 5/10 ANTHONY KNOCKAERT:
Had some bright moments and involved in some promising passages of play. Couldn’t provide the spark his team desperately needed. Rating: 6/10 MIGUEL ANGEL GUERRERO:
Not a bad first start from the front man. Worked hard and helped out defensively. Some strong hold-up play. Just suffered from a lack of support. Rating: 5/10
SUBSTITUTES
JOE LOLLEY (FOR AMEOBI, 46): Didn’t show the kind of sharpness or attacking threat he’s capable of. Rating: 5/10 CAFU (FOR FREEMAN, 64):
Was always unlikely he’d change it in Forest’s favour but tried to get involved. Rating: 5/10
TAYLOR (FOR GUERRERO, 78): A tough ask for him to try to get something in the final 10 minutes. Rating: 6/10 SUBS NOT USED
Smith, Mbe Soh, Jenkinson, Sow.