A fine finish from Dexter Blackstock has given Nottingham Forest a 2-1 win at home to a wasteful Middlesbrough.

Forest had the first chances of the game, as Michail Antonio went close with a deflected shot and Jamaal Lascelles headed a corner over the bar from six yards out.

Middlesbrough struggled to create any early opportunities, but long-range efforts from Lee Tomlin and Patrick Bamford showed how dangerous they can be.

The visitors took the lead shortly after, as Grant Leadbitter's in-swinging cross went all the way in at the back post.

However, Forest equalised shortly after, as Gary Gardner curled a 25-yard strike into the top corner.

Middlesbrough played with a higher tempo in the second half, and they started to create more chances but neither Kike, Tomlin nor George Friend could convert good opportunities.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness as Antonio found Blackstock in the box, and he smashed the ball into the top corner in the 65th minute.

Aitor Karanka's side pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but they continued to spurn chances as Tomlin blazed over from inside the box and Kike hit the post from six yards out.