Hab’s fab as Stam’s flyers set for lift-off
READING moved into the play-off places with a comfortable win over struggling Nottingham Forest at the Madejski Stadium.
Goals in each half from former Forest players were enough to lift Jaap Stam’s side into the top-six.
Garath McCleary grabbed an early opener and defender Chris Gunter added a rare strike in the second half.
Forest had chances in a scrappy game but were denied by in-form Royals keeper Ali Al-Habsi.
Reading had won only one of their previous five league games, while Forest were on a worse run, with just one win in nine league matches.
Both sides looked nervous but Reading settled quicker and took the lead in the 10th minute. John Swift drilled in a fierce effort from 25 yards that Forest keeper Vladimir Stojkovic could only fumble into the path of McCleary.
The winger still had plenty to do but kept his head to fire home. Forest responded with a Henri Lansbury free-kick which was deflected over.
Ben Osborn had a shot blocked and then forced a smart stop from Al-Habsi, while Pajtim Kasami saw his tame header saved.
At the other end Lansbury nodded a Yann Kermorgant effort off the line and Stojkovic stopped a piledriver from Danny Williams.
Reading scored again in the 62nd minute, McCleary crossing for Gunter to lash in only his third goal in more than four years at the club.
Referee Andy Davies awarded Forest a penalty when Liam Moore fouled Lansbury but changed his mind, on the advice of an assistant, and gave a free-kick just outside the box.
Royals boss Stam praised Al-Habsi and said: “That is why he is our first-choice keeper.
“He made some good saves. I just hope he doesn’t have to make that many again.”
Forest coach Philippe Montanier said: “We created a lot of chances and I don’t think we deserved the defeat.
“Perhaps the player of the game is the Reading keeper.”