Bournemouth spurned the chance to close the gap on the Championship's automatic promotion spots after they were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this evening.

The Cherries had the lead inside the first three minutes when Andrew Surman hammered in a long-range effort from all of 30 yards.

The visitors' excellent start continued, and Matt Ritchie's effort was deflected behind before Ryan Fraser forced Karl Darlow into a save inside the first 10 minutes.

© Getty Images

However, Forest were back in it when Jamaal Lascelles reacted quickest to convert inside the area on 21 minutes, as Bournemouth failed to defend a corner properly.

Brett Pitman spurned a decent opportunity for Eddy Howe's side when he flashed a header wide of the goal before the half-hour mark.

With the first half petering out, Henri Lansbury popped up to give the home side the lead with a curling free kick that arched beyond Artur Boruc.

Lansbury almost did it against five minutes into the second period, but this time his shot dipped just over the bar.

Adam Smith headed Ben Osborn's effort off the line before Pitman went close with a volley up the other end almost immediately.