Lam loves a rollercoaster
upset for the boys. It’s a crazy but fantastic league. I’m enjoying it, though it’s so tough. But we have to forget the emotions at the end – good and bad.”
He may have loved the last few moments, but Lamouchi could not have been so smoochie about what had gone before.
Forest were under siege for much of the second half and even though Reading are rising from far deeper down the table, they looked better play-off contenders.
The Royals struck the post through Tyler Blackett, while Yakou Meite and Michael Morrison were both denied by the calm assurance of Brice Samba in the Forest goal.
Forest’s only real chance was a breakaway secondhalf opportunity for Lewis Grabban, when the striker tried to round Rafael Cabral but lost the ball.
Watson’s goal – after a disputed corner – came out of nowhere but Reading earned reward for their spirit when Jordan Obita’s cross was turned in by Figueiredo, under pressure from George Puskas.
Reading boss Mark Bowen admitted: “It wasn’t a classic. But in the second half we showed what we’re about as before their goal it certainly was not a corner.
“But again, our character showed. Our heads didn’t drop and we aren’t in a bad place. I see a resistance and focus in the side, which will stand us in good stead.”
READING N FOREST 3 ........ Shots on Target ......... 3 5 ........ Shots off Target ......... 5 10 ............... Corners ................. 9 10 ................. Fouls .................. 19 2 ............... Offsides .................. 1 74 ..... Passing Success %...72.6 346 ...... Total Passes ........ 332 51.6 ..... Possession % ..... 48.4 54.7..Territorial Adv %..45.3