Reading FC 2-1 Nottingham Forest: Instant Report

Reading were the better side in the first half in Berkshire, with the Royals' best chances being two Yann Kermorgant headers - the first of which was hooked off the line by pantomime villain Matt Mills, whilst the second forced a good save from Dorus de Vries. Paul McShane should have done better with his headed effort following a corner, whilst there were half chances from Danny Williams and Simon Cox.

But despite those opportunities, it was Forest who took the lead just before the break through Ben Osborn. The midfielder had previously seen his 30 yard strike saved superbly by Ali Al-Habsi, but was celebrating second time around when he slotted past the Oman international after being played in by Henri Lansbury.

Coming out for the second half, the visitors seemed happy to defend their lead as Reading continued to dominate. Al-Habsi once again saved from an Osborn shot, whilst Jake Cooper, Kermorgant and Danny Williams all came close for Brian McDermott's side.

It was just before the 70 minute mark that the equaliser deservedly came, as Oliver Norwood's shot took a clever deflection (if there is such a thing?!) off substitute Matej Vydra who claimed the goal as Forest protested for offside.

Norwood was not be denied a goal though, as he grabbed the winner for the Royals in the 81st minute - a superb strike from outside the box from the Northern Irishman. He only scores good goals and this one earned Reading a second consecutive win.

The result keeps Reading in 13th place and ensures that they remain unbeaten at home in the league in 2016.

Reading: Al-Habsi, Gunter, McShane, Cooper, Obita, Norwood, Williams, Quinn, Piazon (John 61'), Kermorgant, Cox (Vydra 61')

Nottingham Forest: de Vries, Gardner, Mills, Wilson (Fox 32'), Jokic, Burke (Ward 68'), Cohen, Lansbury (Tesche 74'), Vaughan, Osborn, Blackstock

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for full match report and player ratings in due course!