Bournemouth have enjoyed the better of their exchanges with Nottingham Forest, despite a goalless opening 45 minutes in their Championship clash.

Adam Smith ventured forward to get involved in a Bournemouth attack early on, but the full-back's attempt to break the deadlock was thwarted by Karl Darlow, who blocked an effort fired at goal from a tight angle.

Both sides looked to take charge of the game in the early stages, and it was Bournemouth who came even closer to scoring when Matt Ritchie struck the post with his free kick.

Bournemouth started to look more dangerous as the first half progressed, but Darlow proved to be a difficult obstacle to overcome as the Forest shot-stopper denying Ritchie after Junior Stanislas had opened up the visiting defence.

Britt Assombalonga could have stolen the lead for Forest against the run of play just before the break, but the strike could only head Michael Antonio's inviting delivery over the crossbar.