Nottingham Forest wasted a golden chance to go back to the top of the First Division after they could only manage a scoreless draw against struggling Tranmere at Prenton Park tonight.

Dave Bassett's side, who are second behind Middlesbrough on goals scored, rarely looked like a team chasing promotion to the Premiership.

The absence of 26-goal leading scorer Pierre van Hooijdonk - who is away on international duty - did not help Forest's cause. But the Midlanders showed little going forward.

Rovers also seldom threatened a breakthrough and boss John Aldridge must be looking over his shoulder with some trepidation as his side hovers dangerously close to the drop zone.

Forest always looked the more likely to score during the early stages, with Rover's 18-year-old keeper Steve Simonsen doing well to deny Scot Gemmill, Tranmere old boy Ian Moore and Andy Johnson.

John McGreal saw his cross-shot go agonisingly close but injury-hit Tranmere were causing Forest few problems, though Dave Challinor's long throws did give their opponents some nervy moments at the back.

Rovers started the second half the brighter, with Lee Jones unable to apply the finishing touch from six yards out following Gary Jones's clever knock-down and Kenny Irons seeing his drive fly high and wide after good approach play.

McGreal headed one of Challinor's trademark throw-ins straight at Dave Beasant and the Forest keeper had to be alert to tip Micky Mellon's close-range effort over the bar after Lee Jones had found him in space.

Moore outpaced three defenders before sending his 20-yard shot wide as the game finally showed signs of sparking into life after an hour of tedious play.

Simonsen saved well from Kevin Campbell after the lively Moore had released his team-mates and the Rovers youngster did well to gather another Moore effort at the second attempt with Thierry Bonalair waiting to pounce.

Jones headed a good chance over after Forest had failed to clear a corner but neither side really deserved to find a winner.

Teams Tranmere: Simonsen, Morgan, Thompson, McGreal, Challinor, Irons, Mellon, Hill, G. Jones (Branch 82), O'Brien, L. Jones.

Subs Not Used: Koumas, McIntyre.

Nottm Forest: Beasant, Lyttle, Rogers, Cooper, Hjelde, Johnson, Bonalair, Gemmill (Thomas 46), Moore, Campbell, Bart-Williams.

Subs Not Used: Armstrong, Guinan.

Att: 7,377

Ref: E Lomas (Manchester).