Nottingham Forest came from behind to earn a point in a battling display against Blackburn Rovers this evening and stretch their unbeaten league run to nine games.

Joe Lolley scored a superb long-range strike to level the game after Adam Armstrong gave Rovers the lead just after the hour-mark to extend Forest undefeated streak and ensure they remain unbeaten away from home this season.

The Reds made two changes from the side that defeated Stoke City last week. Yuri Ribeiro and Tobias Figueiredo came into the side, replacing Joao Carvalho and the injured Michael Dawson.

The visitors nearly got off to the perfect start in the opening minute, however Joe Lolley was denied by Christian Walton in the Rovers goal. A loose ball fell to the Forest winger on the edge of the six-yard box but his right-footed effort was pushed around Walton’s left-hand post.

Despite the early scare for the hosts, neither side were able to create any real goalscoring opportunities early on. Rovers were targeting frontman Bradley Dack in every attack, however, the Forest defence remained resolute. When the former Gillingham man did find a way through, he lacked the composure in front of goal as his effort sailed wide from the edge of the area on 26 minutes.

Forest’s leading goalscorer Lewis Grabban was also finding chances hard to come by. His right-footed effort from the edge of the Rovers penalty area was easily gathered by Walton as the match approached the half-hour mark.

As the half worn on, the visitors began to dominate possession, Samba Sow and Ben Watson were pulling the strings looking to release Lolley at every opportunity. However, despite a speculative effort from Ribiero close to half time, The Reds were unable to find a break through as the first half ended goalless.

Five minutes after the restart Forest skipper Ben Watson nearly doubled his tally for the season with a fierce drive from 30 yards out. After a Forest corner was only half cleared, Watson hit a sweet right-footed effort which skimmed the top of the crossbar. 

Minutes later the visitors had their best chance of the match so far through Grabban. Again Blackburn could only half clear a delivery from Lolley as the ball fell to Grabban just inside the hosts penalty box, but the striker's well-hit volley was straight at Walton in the Rovers goal. 

On the hour mark, Forest introduced Joao Carvalho to replace Sammy Ameobi as The Reds looked to capitalise on their dominance since the break. It was the home side, however, who broke the deadlock on 63 minutes through Adam Armstrong. The pacey winger was set free by Dack and despite attempts from Worrall and Robinson to block the shot, Armstrong neatly slid the ball underneath Brice Samba to put Rovers one up.

The lead was short lived though as Forest hit back within minutes. Lolley unleashed an unstoppable left-footed effort from 25 yards out to put the visitors back on level terms with his fourth goal of the campaign. 

With 20 minutes left on the clock, The Reds showed their ambition by bringing on Albert Adomah for Yuri Ribeiro as they went in search of a second.

Rovers were not content with a point also as they pushed men forward with every attack, but the Forest defence were equal to the challenge, throwing themselves at every shot and cross.

Despite both sides' best endeavours, neither were able to find a winner and the match ended all square, with The Reds' unbeaten run on the road continued.

Forest: Samba, Cash, Figueiredo, Worrall, Robinson, Watson (c), Sow (Silva 80'), Ameobi (Carvalho 62'), Lolley, Ribeiro (Adomah 72'), Grabban

Unused subs: Muric, Bostock, Chema, Johnson

Goal: Lolley 65'

Booking: Ameobi 33'

Blackburn: Walton, Bennett (c), Lenihan, Williams, Cunningham, Travis, Downing, Armstrong, Dack (Holtby 83'), Gallagher (Rothwell 59'), Graham (Samuel 83')

Unused subs: Leutwiler, Adarabioyo, Johnson, Evans

Goal: Armstrong 63'

Bookings: Lenihan 22', Downing 60'

Referee: Stephen Martin

Attendance: 12,521 (1,138 away)