Reds striker Britt Assombalonga was denied in the closing stages when goalkeeper David Raya, playing in his first Championship match in 20 months, spread himself to block inside the six-yard box. In a game of few other meaningful chances, the Lancashire side got three points when on-loan Watford defender Hoban headed in Mahoney's corner. Tony Mowbray's side were winless in seven league games but still face the prospect of dropping into the third tier for the first time since the 1979-80 season with four games to go. Forest have not won in their last six meetings with Blackburn and have just one victory in their past seven league matches.