Game of two halves agree bosses

Last updated : 16 January 2010 By Forest

Billy Davies is keen for his side to learn the lessons of a second-half display that almost saw them throw away valuable points after a battling comeback by FA Cup heroes Reading.

"It was a potential trapdoor for us playing against a side in a totally false position and they nearly made us pay in the second half," admitted the Scot, who again attempted to play down promotion talk, labelling Forest a potential 'top-eight' side, despite the win taking them to within two points of leaders Newcastle.

Reading's win at Anfield in midweek looked to have taken it out on them in the opening 45 minutes at the City Ground but they finished the game well on top against ten men and were left to rue Brian Howard's penalty miss.

"The Forest keeper was the man of the match and if we had scored 10 minutes earlier than we did, we would have got some reward," said manager Brian McDermott. 

"But you have to give credit to their keeper - he was excellent."