Billy Davies praised the way his side clawed their way back into a game that looked lost with two early goals for the visitors and which Forest then were the only side 'who looked like winning it'.
The Scot, however, admitted the Reds then switched off to allow Reading the all-important fifth goal of the game.
"It was disappointing in the end."
Opposite number Nigel Adkins felt the decision to send former Forest player Chris Gunter off with the score at 3-2 was harsh but praised his players for seeing out the victory.
"It was great credit from the players after that because they've had to go and show great character to hold on."