McDonald scored his eighth goal for the season early in the second-half, before Forest equalised late.

The Australian striker smashed home at the back post on 51 minutes after Julio Arca had mis-kicked his shot following Barry Robson's cross.

And 15 minutes later the Socceroo almost doubled his tally when his first-time shot on the turn had Forest keeper Lee Camp worried but it went wide.

But Boro, who are struggling down in 20th in the Championship, were denied a crucial victory in the third minute of stoppage time when Dele Adebola equalised for Forest.

In England's FA Cup, Tim Cahill was missing due to a foot injury which will sideline him for two weeks as Everton crashed out following a 1-0 home loss to Adam Federici's Reading.

Federici, who is currently has a knee injury, was not involved. The Royals now face either Manchester City or Aston Villa in the sixth round on March 13.

In Italy's Serie B, Socceroo Carl Valeri played a full game in midfield as Sassuolo claimed an important 2-0 win over Pescara to move them well clear of danger and up to 15th.

Elsewhere, Adrian Madaschi was an 87th-minute substitute as Portogruaro drew 0-0 at promotion-chasing Novara to remain precariously placed down in 20th.

In the AFC Champions League, Socceroo Joshua Kennedy put in a full shift as Nagoya Grampus went down 2-0 to Adam Griffiths' Hangzhou Greentown in Group F.

Griffiths played a full game for Hangzhou, who had to thank keeper Jiang Bo for denying Kennedy from close-range with 15 minutes to play.

Elsewhere, Socceroo Jon McKain played a full game as Al Nasr drew 2-2 at Pakhtakor in Group B.

In England's League One, Jamie Young put in a full shift as Aldershot drew 1-1 with Gillingham while Shane Cansdell-Sherriff played a full game as Shrewsbury's promotion hopes to a hit after a 3-0 home loss to Bury.

In Scotland's Second Division, Matthew Park and Dylan McGowan both played full games as East Fife defeated Peterhead 3-1.