Middlesbrough 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Marvin Johnson winner stretches Boro's unbeaten run to eight
- Published
Marvin Johnson's last Championship goal came against Reading in September 2019
Substitute Marvin Johnson scored a late winner against Nottingham Forest to stretch Middlesbrough's unbeaten run to eight games.
Johnson volleyed home just three minutes after coming off the bench, meeting a George Saville cross at the back post for his first league goal for 13 months.
Middlesbrough threatened a number of times, with Marcus Tavernier sending their best first-half chance wastefully over the bar after Brice Samba foiled Britt Assombalonga.
After Johnson's late goal, Marcus Bettinelli ensured maximum points by smothering an injury-time shot from Cafu on a day that the hosts marked the death of former England World Cup winner and Boro midfielder Nobby Stiles.
Before kick-off, both sides paid tribute with a minute's applause in honour of Stiles, who spent two seasons with Boro after his illustrious career with Manchester United came to an end in 1971.
Defeat was Forest's first in five games under Chris Hughton, who replaced Sabri Lamouchi at the struggling Reds earlier in October.
In a game of few clear opportunities, Hayden Coulson produced the first real chance as he forced Samba into a low save after racing into the area.
Tavernier squandered a huge chance on 33 minutes for the hosts, sending his shot over the bar after latching on to a rebound following Samba's save from Assombalonga.
Forest's Ryan Yates almost broke the deadlock with a flicked header from an Anthony Knockaert corner in the 65th minute.
But Johnson's introduction proved decisive, with one of his first touches earning Boro all three points to lift Neil Warnock's side up to fifth in the table while Forest stay 21st.
Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock told BBC Tees:
"On paper, Forest have got some really good players, we've worked really hard the last couple of days on how to play against them.
"I thought we looked a good side today, especially in the second half, I wanted us to up it because we missed some good chances in the first half.
"I think Marcus Bettinelli only had one save to make so it was all credit to the back boys.
"It was great for Nathan Wood who was making his debut to come out with a win, he'll remember that."
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton:
"I thought we coped with the defensive side for most of the game, but needed to be better in possession.
"Defensively, I've generally been happy with the team, but the only way to relieve pressure on yourself is to take the lead, which we haven't been able to do in my time here.
"We need to relieve that bit of pressure by showing that little bit more quality when we get into the opposition's final third. We haven't got enough wins - we need to find the right formula to start winning games."