Middlesbrough 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Marvin Johnson winner increases Boro’s unbeaten streak to eight

Backup Marvin Johnson scored a late win against Nottingham Forest to stretch Middlesbrough’s unbeaten streak to eight games.

Middlesbrough threatened multiple times, with Marcus Tavernier sending his best shot of the first half over the bar after Brice Samba thwarted Britt Assombalonga.

After Johnson’s late goal, Marcus Bettinelli secured maximum points by putting down a shot in stoppage time from Cafu on a day when the hosts marked the death of former England world champion and Boro midfielder Nobby Stiles.

Before kick-off, both sides paid tribute with a minute of applause in honor of Stiles, who spent two seasons with Boro after his illustrious career with Manchester United came to an end in 1971.

The loss was Forest’s first in five games under Chris Hughton, who replaced Sabri Lamouchi in the Reds’ fight in early October.

In a game of few clear chances, Hayden Coulson produced the first real chance by forcing Samba to make a low save after running into the area.

Tavernier blew a great opportunity in the 33rd minute for the hosts, sending his shot over the bar after grabbing a rebound after Samba de Assombalonga’s save.

Forest’s Ryan Yates nearly broke the deadlock with a header from a corner by Anthony Knockaert in the 65th minute.

But Johnson’s introduction proved decisive, with one of his first touches earning Boro all three points to move Neil Warnock’s side to fifth in the table, while Forest was 21st.