Boro’s winning run put to test at bogey ground

In-form Boro trail current Championship leaders Cardiff City on goal difference after five successive league victories – something they last achieved in 1995 – but Mowbray is refusing to get carried away by their fine recent sequence.

Opponents Forest are reeling after Saturday’s shock 4-1 home loss to Millwall but have proved somewhat of a bogey side for Boro over the years, with the Riverside outfit having won just once on the red side of the Trent in 22 meetings since 1973.

Boro, who won 4-1 at Charlton Athletic on Saturday, have not even managed a goal in three successive second-tier defeats at the City Ground in the last three seasons, losing on each occasion.

Mowbray, whose side are seeking a seventh consecutive away victory in all competitions, said: “My mind goes back to last year when I know Forest was our first away defeat of the season and I have to say they have some very talented players.

“Simon Cox and Billy Sharp can score goals and Andy Reid is a catalyst for all their good play and they are a side full of good footballers. I like Sean O’Driscoll as a coach and how he sets his teams up. We know it will probably be our biggest test on the road this year.”

On Boro’s recent red-hot streak, he added: “I will never get carried away until somebody hopefully sticks a medal around my neck or we win a league or are at Wembley and somebody scores a winning goal.

“We have just got to keep going and carry on grinding it out.”

Last six games: Nottm Forest LWDWWD; Middlesbrough WWWWWW.

Last time out: Nottm Forest 2 Middlesbrough 0; Tuesday, Oct 18 2011; Championship.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).