Forest stretched their unbeaten away record to nine games and fully deserved a share of the points after an impressive second half performance.

After an early goal by Middlesbrough, Forest took a while to find their feet in a half with few chances for either side. But Forest composed themselves well as the game progressed and finished the half strongly.

Forest dominated the second half from the outset and after several shots on target got their much deserved equalizer from a free kick and in the end must have been disappointed not to have taken all three points.

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Middlesbrough looked dangerous as early as the second minute when they made a break the length of the pitch, but when Julio Arca's cross didn't quite reach Leroy Lita Forest reacted strongly and Dele Adebola controlled the ball well to clear the danger.

But it was less than two minutes later when Middlesbrough took the lead after Adam Johnson was played clear on the left and broke forward. He had plenty of time to pick out Arca who saw Lee Camp dive to save his effort, but Leroy Lita was on hand to touch in the rebound.

Forest looked more in control when a good break gave them their first shot on target. Paul Anderson played the ball back to Guy Moussi whose effort forced Brad Jones to dive to his right to make the save.

It was nearly 20 minutes before Forest had another chance when Joe Garner got the ball forward to David McGoldrick who turned well, but was impeded as he lost his balance and went over inside the penalty box.

Middlesbrough threatened again towards the end of the half and Chris Gunter did well to prevent Lita from getting a shot in.

Forest came close to getting a stoppage time equalizer when Adebola won the ball and played it through to McGoldrick who, one-on one with the Middlesbrough keeper, tried to side-step him, but Jones reacted quickly to make the best save of the half.

The ball broke for Anderson on the left who beat his man brilliantly, but his final effort didn't find anybody.

Forest started the second half very strongly and  Garner was convinced that a hand ball blocked his close-range shot, although with the power of his effort it could not have been deliberate.

And as the pressure was kept up Adebola's header bounced up kindly for Jones to get his hands on it.

And with just six minutes gone they had yet another chance when Adebola knocked the ball to Garner whose effort was only just wide.

After a break by 'Boro, Forest were quickly back on the attack and Anderson found himself through on goal. He beat two defenders, cut in at an angle and sent the ball towards goal from six yards out, but the keeper managed to get a touch to put the ball out for a corner.

With Forest buzzing, Robert Earnshaw came on to replace McGoldrick with the half just 13 minutes old and eight minutes later Garath McCleary replaced Garner.

Forest got their much deserved equalizer after 'Boro conceded a free kick after some good work by Adebola and McKenna put them in with a chance which was stopped by the hand of David Wheater.

Earnshaw took up his position just outside the D and sent a right-footed free kick over the wall and inside the far post. The goal was followed by his trademark somersault in front of the 3,150 travelling supporters.

Dexter Blackstock received a warm welcome from the Forest supporters when he came on to replace Adebola with ten minutes remaining.

Forest continued to dominate play and created another chance, but McCleary's effort took a deflection and went into the arms of Jones.

With four minutes stoppage time to play the travelling supporters willed their side to get a winner and they certainly tried to oblige but in spite of their impressive performance had to settle for a point.

Nottingham Forest: Lee Camp, Chris Gunter, Wes Morgan, Kelvin Wilson, Chris Cohen, Paul Anderson, Paul McKenna(C), Guy Moussi, Joe Garner,( Garath McCleary 66min) David McGoldrick( Robert Earnshaw 58min), Dele Adebola,(Dexter Blackstock 80min)
Subs not used: Paul Smith, Luke Chambers, Lewis McGugan, Radoslaw Majewski,
Bookings: McKenna 12min, Cohen 76min
Scorer: Earnshaw 73min

Middlesbrough: Brad Jones, Rhys Williams, David Wheater, Sean St Ledger, Emanuel Pogatetz, Julio Arca,(Didier Digard 66min) Gary O'Neil, Isaiah Osbourne, Adam Johnson, Leroy Lita,(Jonathan Franks 76min) Dave Kitson(Marcus Bent 57min)
Subs not used: Danny Coyne,(GK) Andrew Taylor, Tony McMahon, Mark Yeates, Didier Digard,
Bookings: Osbourne 64min, Williams 69min
Scorer: Lita 5min

Referee: Lee Probert

Attendance: 22,710 Away attn: 3,150