Source: PA
Forest capitalise on Federici error
Robert Earnshaw accepted a gift from Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici to give Billy Davies` Nottingham Forest a well-deserved 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium.
Alex Pearce had put the Royals ahead before Federici - who was outstanding in the first period to keep Forest at bay - made a horrible mess of a clearance to allow Wales international Earnshaw to pounce.
Brian McDermott`s men have yet to find the rhythm which made them a potent force after Christmas last season and in the end were glad to share the points with their much-fancied visitors.
Forest controlled all the play early on but it was Reading who stole ahead against the run of play in the 15th minute. Marcus Williams delivered a free-kick from wide on the right and when Jimmy Kebe rose to head back across goal Pearce was unmarked to hammer in a volley from close range.
Forest would have felt hard done by at the break but they rallied well to level in the 50th minute in comedy circumstances. Federici has made a habit during his Royals career of starting counter-attacks quickly by launching kicks downfield but made a real hash of his effort to gift Forest a goal.
The Australian made a routine claim from a cross and looked to smash the ball up the pitch but only succeeded in kicking into the back of defender Matt Mills. Earnshaw was quick to react and after dancing round the prone goalkeeper tapped into an empty net.
