Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds United

Matty Fryatt celebrates a goal before it is ruled out for offside

Matty Fryatt scored one goal and was denied two more as Nottingham Forest were held by Leeds at the City Ground.

The former Hull striker put the home side ahead in the first half when he turned the ball in from close range.

But he had two goals chalked off for offside, with replays showing that the forward was fractionally onside.

Leeds, with only one win in five games, equalised after the break when Billy Sharp converted from the spot after Danny Fox had brought down Sam Byram.

Forest created the better chances and should have taken all three points.

They were unlucky not to have taken the lead before the opener when the recalled Fryatt turned in Michail Antonio's shot. Fryatt was deemed to be offside, but television replays showed he was played on by full-back Byram.

Mirco Antenucci (left) had a shot well saved while Danny Fox (right) gave away a penalty

Alex Mowatt also went close for the visitors with a shot that was deflected wide, while Karl Darlow produced a remarkable save with his legs to prevent Mirco Antenucci's effort from flying in.

Forest finally beat Leeds keeper Marco Silvestri when Fryatt was on hand to convert Michael Mancienne's header from close range.

Leeds hit back after the break when Sharp blasted in from the spot after Byram had been brought down by Fox, who was sporting a dyed beard in aid of charity.

Forest looked the more likely winners though.

Antonio forced a great save from Silvestri, who also kept out Robert Tesche's firm effort and the dangerous Fryatt once again had an effort from eight yards ruled out for offside.

Failure to win sees Forest miss out on the chance to close the gap on eighth-place Blackburn, while Leeds are now in 18th. The Yorkshire side face fellow strugglers Wigan on Boxing Day before a trip to promotion challengers Derby.

Forest, meanwhile, are seven points shy of the play-off places and face a tricky trip to high-flying Middlesbrough after Christmas.

Forest manager Stuart Pearce:

"Both offside decisions were level at best. We felt we scored two good goals.

"I'm sure the officials will improve next week. I'm sure they will learn by it. When you score three good goals you are disappointed when the opposition respond - we gave away a poor penalty.

"My players are playing in a nervous manner and maybe they should throw the shackles off a touch and play with a little bit more composure."

Leeds manager Neil Redfearn:

"We applied ourselves really well.

"The performances have been getting better away from home but today there was a resilience and toughness about us.

"We deserved a bit of luck with the offside goals. We've been there plenty of times ourselves."