MIDDLESBROUGH 2
Ayala (7), Downing (31)
NOTT’M FOREST 0 Aitor Karanka’s first return to the Riverside Stadium ended in defeat as his former club were too good for Forest.
Karanka, who left Boro in March last year after a depressing run in the Premier League, could do nothing to prevent a defeat that keeps Tony Pulis’ side in the play-off places.
The impressive Daniel Ayala scored a fine opener in the seventh minute and that was followed by Stewart Downing’s low drive in the 31st minute to put Middlesbrough in the driving seat.
Forest offered very little in the final third and never looked like ending the wait for a goal that has extended to five matches.
With nine points separating Forest from the relegation zone beforehand, this was an occasion more about Karanka’s return than anything else for them.
Even though he kept a low profile on entrance, the Spaniard received a fantastic reception from the Middlesbrough fans when he walked into his technical area for the first time.
By then Boro – looking to bounce back after picking up just a point over Easter – had already taken the lead courtesy of Ayala’s fifth goal of the season – and it was his best one, too.
With his back to goal, the defender brought the ball down, turned and struck into the top corner from 12 yards.
The second goal came just after the half hour mark. Again, like so many times this season for Forest, it was conceded from a corner.
Ayala’s flick-on was cleared only as far as the edge of the area, where Downing pounced and struck low into the bottom right corner.
Middlesbrough did concede four corners of their own in first-half stoppage-time, but they showed their opponents how to defend them.
Forest’s defensive weaknesses were there to see again after the restart. Ayala almost scored his second from another corner, but his acrobatic overhead kick flew over the bar.
Forest did gain more of a foothold in the game in the second half, but they still struggled to cause Randolph any real problems.
Joe Lolley tested the Ireland goalkeeper from distance, but Randolph was able to gather the ball comfortably.
Britt Assombalonga wasted two chances late on as Boro looked to extend their lead.