Points shared as a much improved Leeds battled it out with Forest

Leeds United: Ankergran, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Hughes, Prutton, Howson, Johnson, Beckford, Kandol. Subs: Richardson, Sweeney, Elding, Flo, Lucas.

Nottingham Forest: Smith, Wilson, Breckin, Morgan, Chambers, McGugan, Cohen, Commons, Bennett, Hoskins, Tyson. Subs: Richardson, Perch, Holt, Clingan, Davies.

Referee: M. Holsey.

It was another fast-paced start, in front of a big and noisy Leeds crowd, with United hell bent on attacking the Forest goal but it was not until the 14th minute that they managed to get a shot on target. Jonathan Howson sent in a screamer from 25 yards but it was easily caught by Paul Smith in Forest's goal.

Forest were not making it easy for the Whites. David Johnson had a shot tipped round the post by Smith in the 34th minute and David Prutton had a shot from 30 yards cleared by Forest one minute later.

Jermaine Beckford made a great run on 41 minutes only to fluff his finish, which has been a feature of his game in recent weeks.

Three minutes into the second half Nathan Tyson found himself one on one with United goalkeeper, Casper Ankergran but his shot, from 12 yards missed.

A sustained period of pressure from Leeds resulted in a series of shots from Alan Sheehan, Howson and Prutton but Forest held on.

Disaster struck on 68 minutes, against the run of play, when a cross from Kris Commons provided a free header from 12 yards out, for Julian Bennett and Forest were in front 0-1.

Peter Sweeney replaced Bradley Johnson on 69 minutes and Prutton was replaced by Tore Andre Flo a minute later.

Beckford had a header from six yards cleared off the line by Ian Breckin as United piled on the pressure assisted by an anxious crowd who roared the Whites on.

With ten minutes to go and for the third time in the match, an appeal was made for a penalty after a foul on Kandol. This time it was granted. Beckford sent the Leeds fans into football heaven when he hammered the ball into the bottom right hand side of the net, 1-1.

Anthony Elding came on for Kandol as Leeds looked for that elusive winner but it didn't come and Forest held on for a draw.

This was more like it for Leeds they piled on the pressure against a strong side and it should give the lads a boost in confidence ready for the big one at Doncaster on Saturday.

Attendance 29,552.

Leeds United 1 Nottingham Forest 1