A LATE scrambled effort from Junior Agogo meant Hartlepool United lost at Nottingham Forest.

But Pools will wonder how they left the City Ground with nothing after enjoying the better of the game for the majority of the second period.

Forest started the better team and they went in front when Agogo headed down a deep cross and Kris Commons pushed the ball over the line from inside the six yard area.

But Pools grew in stature and levelled when Richard Barker headed in his second goal in as many games and his fifth of the season.

He met a cross from Ian Moore and nipped between the central defenders to head in from close range.

The second half was one way - and it was in Pools favour.

Moore went close with a low drive pushed away by keeper Paul Smith and Barker and Moore, again, had chances to put Pools into the lead.

But Commons cut inside from his left wing berth and his one on one effort was was kept out by the Jan Budtz.

The ball rolled wide and Agogo was following up to net from a tight angle to leave Pools deflated.

They threw bodies up front in numbers for the closing stages, and substitute Joel Porter shot over the bar from eight yards, but couldn't find a leveller.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Paul Smith, Kelvin Wilson, Luke Chambers, Wes Morgan, Kris Commons, Nathan Tyson (Grant Holt 66), Chris Cohen, Sammy Klingan, Neil Lennon, Junior Agogo, Julian Bennett. Subs: Ian Breckin, James Perch, Emile Sinclair, Dale Roberts.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Jan Budtz, Danny Coles (Jamie McCunnie 77mins), Micky Nelson, Godwin Antwi, Ritchie Humphreys, James Brown (James Brown 82), Gary Liddle, Willie Boland, Andy Monkhouse (Joel Porter 85), Richard Barker, Ian Moore. Subs: Matty Robson, Ben Clark.

Referee: Tony Bates (Stoke)

Watch the match highlights from Monday, October 8