A goal each from strike pair Marvin Emnes and Lukas Jutkiewicz earned Middlesbrough a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the Riversie Stadium tonight.
It was struggling Forest who had the better of the early exchanges but their forwards lacked the clinical finishing displayed later by Boro's goalscorers.
Marlon Harewood put through winger Gareth McLeary but he sent his shot straight at Jason Steele, who also denied Ishmael Miller as he was through on goal.
The hosts then exposed Forest's defensive frailties when Emnes gave them the lead with a close-range effort on the stroke of half time.
Boro's advantage was doubled shortly after the break when Jutkiewicz shot past Lee Camp in the visitors' net.
Forest threatened a comeback when Joel Lynch flicked in Andy Reid's free kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Kevin Thomson was then sent off for Boro as Forest pushed for a draw but Tony Mowbray's side hung on to record their first win in six league games.
