Middlesbrough v Nottingham Forest: Boro working hard for solution, says Mowbray

Boro head into tonight’s home game with Nottingham Forest – whom they have beaten just once at home in the last 17 attempts – on an appalling run of just two wins in their last 17 Championship games.

Third on New Year’s Day, Boro, incredibly, are not safe from the drop with four games to go.

If they lose tonight and results go against them, they could find themselves just three points above the relegation zone with one of the most madcap demotions in recent years a real prospect.

Disgruntled fans made their feelings known on Saturday when Boro slumped to their 13th Championship defeat of 2013, with Mowbray’s side without a goal in over five hours of football, having netted just twice in their last six games.

Born and bred Teessider Mowbray, who vowed to fight on after the 2-0 weekend reverse to Brighton, said: “If I was a Boro fan, I would be wondering what is going on, but believe me, we are leaving no stone unturned.

“We are searching and working very hard and we are looking for the answers.

“Being a Boro fan since the age of six, I have seen the highs and lows. If you are a Boro fan, you support the team and if you can afford, you come and watch them.

“For me, you support your hometown club. You support your team your father took you to watch through thick and thin.”

Mowbray will be without the services of key midfielder Grant Leadbitter, who starts a two-match ban tonight.

Last six games: Middlesbrough LLDLLL; Nottingham Forest LDDDWW.

Last time: Middlesbrough 2 Nottingham Forest 1; Feb 14, 2012; Championship.

Referee: M Heywood (Cheshire).