Disappointed Woodgate on why Boro deserved win over Forest

Jonathan Woodgate expressed his anger over Darren England’s decision to allow Lewis Grabban’s 86th-minute equaliser, but hailed his Middlesbrough side’s “character and determination” in their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Despite going 1-0 down to Ryan Yates’ strike on 29 minutes, two quick-fire goals just before half-time from Rudy Gestede and Lewis Wing saw the Teessiders go into the break in front; the first time Middlesbrough have led at half time in a game since January 11 (also a 2-2 draw, with Derby County).

However, Boro were pegged back late on when Grabban bagged his 17th of the season. Woodgate was unhappy with the goal.

He said: “Nine out of 10 times that goal doesn’t count so I thought it was a bad decision from the referee. If you look at any contact on the goalkeeper it’s given.

“He backs in, he looked where he was and he put his arm across his chest, he didn’t get nowhere near it, it was a foul in my view and in 19,000 people’s eyes it’s a foul.”

He remained positive about his side though, going on to say: “We showed character and determination from every single player to get on the ball tonight, even if it’s tough, get on the ball and try to make things happen.

“We went down to 1-0 and it’s tough but your players bounce back and I thought we deserved to win the game.”

On Boro remaining in the relegation zone, Woodgate added: “Well we are there, the table says it at the minute. That could be an important point for us, that could be a really important point for us going forward.”

Middlesbrough face Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Saturday, in a crucial game at the bottom end of the table.