A trip to the Madjeski Stadium was hardly what the doctor ordered as Forest travelled south looking to erase the memory of recent poor performances against Birmingham, Ipswich and Derby.

At long last Frenchman Guy Moussi returned to the first team scene as the suspended James Perch made way. Elsewhere Paul Anderson and Robert Earnshaw were fit to take their places once again with the recent injury problems finally beginning to ease for manager Billy Davies

Despite many fans and pundits writing off Forest’s hopes of taking anything from this game, the Royals themselves had been in poor form of late with points and even goals few and far between for Steve Coppell's side. In fact their only strike since January had been an own goal in the 1-0 win against Wolves, a stat which offered some hope to the 1200 or so travelling contingent.

In the early stages Forest were forced onto the back foot as Reading flew out of the blocks. Winger Jimmy Kebe wasted a great chance in the early minutes when dragging wide from close range after Joel Lynch had miss-judged a cross from the left. Former Reds midfielder Bryn Gunnarsson forced Paul Smith into action as the home side dominated.

The loss of Nathan Tyson mid-way through the first half seemed to galvanise Forest as the Reds improved towards half time. Earnshaw saw a couple of decent chances go begging whilst Anderson also threatened.

Having failed to make the break through Reading faded after half time as Forest seized the initiative. With Anderson and Gareth McCleary causing all sorts of problems and Moussi back to his old self the Reds played some of their best football of the season in forcing the Royals onto the back foot. A superb move involving Anderson resulted in a Chris Cohen effort being superbly tipped over by Adam Federici in the home goal.

Eventually Reds pressure paid off. Lewis McGugan answered recent critics with a superb individual goal finishing a mazy run with a cool finish from the edge of the box giving Federici no chance.

If anything, the Reds looked capable of extending their lead with McCleary and Anderson looking dangerous on the break. The home side threw bodies forward late on but despite a succession of free kicks and corners Forest held on for a richly deserved win.

Despite one or two other results not going Forest’s way the Reds have extended the gap between themselves and the bottom three to three points.

A 4-6 point tally in the upcoming home games against Preston and Swansea could see Forest once again clear of that dreaded drop zone.

Forest: Smith, Wilson, Chambers, Morgan, Lynch, McGugan (Thornhill 82), Moussi, Cohen, Anderson, Tyson (McCleary 30), Earnshaw (Breckin 86).