Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest were unable to find a breakthrough in a goalless first half in their Championship encounter at the Reebok Stadium.

Makeshift forward Greg Halford posed problems for the Trotters early on when, after being played in by Andy Reid, he saw his shot stopped by Andy Lonergan.

Dougie Freedman was forced into an early change when Jermaine Beckford, who helped Bolton beat Blackpool last time out, limped off with an injury midway through the first half.

His strike partner David N'gog came close to opening the scoring when he met Alex Baptiste's cross, but saw his shot blocked.

Earlier, Forest defender Jack Hobbs was on hand to keep Chung Yong-Lee out with a last-ditch tackle as the midfielder moved into an advanced area.

The visitors nearly edged in front minutes before the break when Halford rose eight yards out but headed over the bar.

Forest beat Premier League West Ham 5-0 in the FA Cup third round last weekend.