Middlesbrough narrowed the gap on Brighton at the top of the English Championship on Saturday as the league leaders stumbled on the road.

Middlesbrough beat hosts Nottingham Forest 2-1 thanks to some heroics from their goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, while Brighton were held to a goalless draw at Wolverhampton in the race to reach the Premier League.

Striker David Nugent, who was once capped for England, prodded in Middlesbrough's opener in the third minute, before Matt Mills equalised five minutes later.

Former Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala, who became a father during the week, reacted quickest to head in the winner for Boro in the 33rd minute.

However, Konstantopoulos pulled off a series of fine saves at the City Ground, including a late penalty.

"We have won this time because we have the quality, because we have experience," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka.

Forest manager Dougie Freedman admitted he could not always deliver the attractive football his side's fans demand from the former European champions.

"We were playing against the side I believe will be the champions of the division come the end of the season," the Scot said.

"You are not going to see me with my chin on my chest. Is there progress here? Yes there is," he added.

Brighton, on the road while minnows Japan pulled off an incredible Rugby World Cup victory over former champions South Africa at their Falmer Stadium, blew their chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship.

In-form striker Tomer Hemed missed a first-half penalty against the 10-man hosts at Molineux, ending the Seagulls' three-match winning run.

"What he has got to try and do is make sure he is confident the next time that it comes," said Brighton manager Chris Hughton.

"After the disappointment we still have to realise that up until now we have done great."

In the automatic promotion spots, Brighton remain top with 20 points after eight matches, ahead of Middlesbrough with 17 points.

Hull, Burnley and Ipswich have 14 points each while Reading occupy the fourth and final play-off spot on 12 points.

Hull drew 1-1 at home to Queens Park Rangers. Charlie Austin, who scored 18 goals for QPR in the Premier League last season, put the visitors in front but former England defender Michael Dawson equalised before half-time.

Burnley play at Derby on Monday, while Ipswich drew 1-1 at Birmingham on Friday.

Reading secured a comfortable 2-0 win at struggling Bristol City.

In the relegation zone, rock-bottom Rotherham secured their first win of the season with an injury-time goal to beat eighth-placed Cardiff 2-1.

"Anything other than a win it would have been a travesty," said Rotherham manager Steve Evans, who wore a giant sombrero hat.