Bristol City and Nottingham Forest head in at half time with the score level at 0-0.
Forest had an early chance when Billy Sharp found Dexter Blackstock with his cross, but the striker could not find the finish.
The Robins then came close through Jon Stead, who turned well and forced the goalkeeper into a save.
The away side had an appeal for a penalty turned down by the referee after Liam Kelly appeared to handle the ball.
Forest almost took the lead through Blackstock, though the forward somehow managed to head against the bar from two yards out.
The home side had a good period of possession and came close when Steve Davies's effort from a free kick went just wide of the post.
