Royals chief defends Federici

Reading boss Brian McDermott refused to blame goalkeeper Adam Federici after his fluffed clearance gifted Nottingham Forest their equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Alex Pearce had put the Royals ahead against the run of play before Federici - who was outstanding in the first period to keep Forest at bay - made a horrible mess of a clearance to allow Robert Earnshaw to pounce. McDermott said: "Adam has held his hands up and apologised but he had no need to because he has made a fantastic save from (Paul) Anderson in the first half. "He's done it a hundred times without a problem and it's one of those things that happens and when you are a goalkeeper it is highlighted. "There were two really committed sides out there and at least we got a point. They have got good players and pass the ball well. We are simmering at the moment and just aren't getting any luck. "I felt we should have got our first win against Portsmouth, but league positions don't count much after two or three league games."

Source: PA

Source: PA