Rotherham United 1 Nottingham Forest 1

Last updated : 24 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Super sub Eoin Jess came off the bench to grab a last minute equaliser for strugglers Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 draw at Rotherham.

Jess pounced with a close range finish after Marlon King's low cross as Forest produced a spirited response to Andy Monkhouse's 65th minute goal.

Monkhouse snapped up his second goal in two matches after Forest put up stubborn resistance.

Monkhouse, who scored in Rotherham's spectacular 5-1 win over Reading, kept his head to control and smash in a 65th minute strike after impressive work by Michael Proctor.

But Rotherham's lead looked fragile as Forest found new heart and produced a high energy finale.

Struggling Forest were pinned back as Rotherham made a bright opening with Proctor menacing. The former Sunderland man made a clever turn and found strike partner Martin Butler in the area, but the former Reading striker saw his snap shot saved by Darren Ward.

A Darren Garner shot was blocked and Chris Sedgwick's follow-up left-foot volley was wide.

Rotherham believed they had won a penalty when the ball was handled in the Forest area after 17 minutes. After awarding a spot-kick referee Graham Laws was surrounded by protesting Forest players and, after consulting with his linesman, changed his decision and gave Forest the free-kick.

A Garner free-kick was curled over and, just before half-time, Butler went down under a challenge from Des Walker but penalty appeals were waved away.

Forest's only real chance came with Rotherham on the back foot when King and Alan Rogers linked well before the ball hit Rotherham debut man Robbie Stockdale but was cleared by Mike Pollitt.

But midway through the second half Monkhouse was on hand to sidestep a challenge and change feet before ramming home the goal after Proctor dazzled on the right.

Proctor headed wide after a Sedgwick cross but Forest had the lion's share at the end and deserved the goal that came in the dying seconds.