Plenty for Cooper to think about as Forest let it slip
ensured they retained their lead, making decent saves from Danny Drinkwater, Baba Rahman and George Puscas.
There wasn’t a great deal he could do about the equaliser, although it was a soft one to concede, coming from a corner. And for all the hosts’ effort, he didn’t have too much more to do in the second half, even with Andy Carroll to contend with.
On the whole, Forest defended pretty well. It helped that Colback acted as a roadblock in front of the back line, making no end of challenges while constantly being in the right place at the right time if anyone did find a way through.
When Reading were applying the pressure, though, there was always a sense they could force an opening. That it came from a set-piece was particularly disappointing.
Still, Cooper did try to change things after the goal had gone in. Having started with four at the back, he reverted to a three, bringing on Tobias Figueiredo for Joe Lolley.
That flexibility and adaptability is a useful asset for the Reds to have. And they did get more of a handle on the game as a result. It was just in the final third where they fell short.
■Fantastic support
A sold-out away end was in great voice throughout. Forest continue to be backed in big numbers - something Cooper constantly references whenever he faces the media.
He is determined to give supporters something to cheer, always talking about how the club should strive for more.
The head coach was first out of the tunnel before kick-off and stood for a moment to applaud those who had made the trip. He did the same at full-time as well.
Although his side hadn’t been able to deliver the three points, they had contributed to an entertaining game.
So had the Reds fans. No sooner had their Reading counterparts made clear their feelings towards the EFL following their recent points deduction, Forest followers hit back with: “You’re going down with the Derby.”
All afternoon, they were the ones making the noise - even though the hosts had a drum at their disposal.
Forest didn’t quite find their rhythm on the pitch, but they do continue to march to the right beat under Cooper.