Tuesday 19 April 2016 23:38, UK
Both managers were satisfied with a point as Blackburn striker Danny Graham cancelled out Dexter Blackstock's opener as Rovers drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest.
Blackstock gave Forest a 15th-minute lead when he intercepted Hope Akan's wayward pass to race forward and score, but Graham also took advantage of sloppy defending at the other end to grab an equaliser for the visitors seven minutes later.
Henri Lansbury, who also hit the bar, and Ryan Mendes were both denied by Rovers keeper Jason Steele after the break, while Ben Marshall nearly won it at the end for Rovers when his cross hit the frame of the goal.
The biggest cheer of the night, though, was reserved for Forest sub Britt Assombalonga, who was given his first taste of action for 14 months in the 83rd minute after finally recovering from a knee injury.
Reds caretaker-boss Paul Williams, who is still waiting for his first win in charge, was delighted to see the prolific forward - who was given a standing ovation by the home faithful - return to action.
"Once he gets a pre-season under his belt, we'll have a fantastic footballer on our hands," said Williams. "He works in the gym, he works hard on his rehab and full credit to the medical staff, they've done really well getting him back.
"Hopefully we can tease some more time out of him in the next few games."
On Forest's performance, Williams added: "We created lots of chances and in the second half, only one team wanted to win the game. On another day we would have scored two or three more goals.
"We're getting there in the style of football we want to play with the lads we've got.
"I'm not frustrated, I'm pleased with the way the lads played tonight. With a bit more luck, the goals will start to come."
Rovers boss Paul Lambert was equally pleased with his side's display, although both sides still need a point to be mathematically safe from the drop after MK Dons drew at Sheffield Wednesday.
"I thought in the first-half we were excellent," said Lambert. "It was a frustrating goal to give away, though, as we had secured possession and they weren't a threat, but then we went and lost the ball and they scored.
"But our goal was excellent and we had some really good moments. It was a great goal by Danny - he has been excellent since he has been at the club.
"It is a great place to come and play, the pitch is fantastic and I thought a draw was fair. We dominated the ball in the first half and there was a lot of plusses tonight.
"We hit the bar, they hit the bar and there wasn't really much in it."
Lambert praised young midfielder Connor Mahoney, who was handed his League debut at the City Ground.
"I thought in the first half, especially, that he was excellent," said the Scot. "He has got plenty of ability and I knew he could handle it. He plays with no fear and he's one of the best kids I have seen."
