The afterglow from Reading's magnificent victory at Anfield lasted precisely three days. Following the glorious 2-1 victory over Liverpool in Wednesday night's FA Cup third round replay, Reading was pulled firmly back down to Earth by the Championship's form side Nottingham Forest. The 2-1 victory for the home side left the Royals feeling empty at not being able to capitalise further on their FA Cup exploits. However Forest will readily admit that they owe their victory in no small part to their goalkeeper, Lee Camp, who put in an inspired display.

On the back of a seventeen match unbeaten run, it was no surprise that Forest hit their stride quicker than Reading. Indeed, Forest took the lead in the 12th minute when Chris Cohen broke free of the Reading defence to find himself with only Adam Federici to beat. Cohen though squared the ball to Paul Anderson who hooked the ball home from close range.

Forest threatened to go on the rampage as a result of the early goal, but did not create any further threats until the 33rd minute when Robert Earnshaw whipped in a volley that required a brilliant save from Federici to prevent the ball from hitting the back of the net. Earnshaw may have looked stunned at Federici's save, but the diminutive Welsh striker made amends for the home side when he added a second goal two minutes before the break. Earnshaw burst through the Reading defence and evaded all attempts to be stopped before showing nerve to push the ball wide of Federici and into the net.

The first half had undeniably belonged to Forest, but it was their front players who had done all the work, the second half would be the time for Forest's defence to show their mettle. In fact in the second period, Reading found their legs and proved to be as threatening to Forest as they had been to Liverpool earlier in the week, but Lee Camp had a better game for Forest than Diego Cavalieri had had for Liverpool. How the Reading fans scoffed as they heard the Forest faithful serenade their custodian with a song claiming him to be England's number one. Surely this was as far-fetched and sycophantic as a football crowd could possibly get. However Camp proved his credentials as a top-drawer goalkeeper right on cue. Reading new boy Gunnar Thorvaldsson produced a diving header from a Ryan Bertrand free kick, but Camp pulled off a brilliant save to deny the Icelandic. A minute later Camp denied Thorvaldsson again, this time tipping over a header from the Reading striker. Two terrific saves in a minute deprived Reading from drawing level and led the away fans to understand the home side's adulation towards their goalkeeper. What is more Camp wasn't finished either.

In the 69th minute, Jimmy Kebe was put through on goal after a neat pass by Jem Karacan, but was hauled to the floor inside the penalty box by former Reading full back Nicky Shorey. Referee Mr Deadman pointed to the spot, but also sent Shorey from the field. Reading it seemed had been given a gilt edged opportunity to get back into the game. Brian Howard took the place kick, but Camp pulled off a brilliant save to keep the penalty out. Camp was looking unbeatable and didn't the home fans know it.

Reading did hit the net twice in the final minutes of the game. Shane Long was disappointed to see a goal ruled out after Jimmy Kebe had got the ball to the Irishman, but the referee had blown up and awarded a free kick. It was Kebe though who got a goal when he nodded home in the final minute of the match to finally beat the brilliant Camp. With time up, Forest appeared more relieved than they would perhaps care to admit.

Following up the wonderful victory at Anfield with a win was always going to be difficult, especially against arguably the best team outside of the Premier League. However, Forest will be quick to admit that the brilliance of their goalkeeper was a deciding factor in their ability to hang on for the win. For Reading there is once more plenty to build on, but the missed penalty leaves Brian McDermott's team, somewhat disappointed at missing out on what would have been a thoroughly deserved point.

By Stuart Croucher.