Nottingham Forest could take plenty of encouragement from their 1-1 draw at Stoke City, according to Sky Sports pundits Garry Monk and Michael Johnson.
The Reds fell behind to a bizarre goal on 18 minute when Jordan Thompson’s corner wasn’t dealt with by Lewis Grabban and bounced into the net off Brice Samba.
However, Chris Hughton’s side rallied in the second half and equalised with another peculiar goal as James Chester headed an Anthony Knockaert cross into his own net.
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Monk and former Notts County defender Michael Johnson felt the Reds could have taken all three points.
“Chris will be delighted with that second half in terms of the performance side of it,” said Monk.
“The only disappointment will be not going on to win with that one on one. They didn't capitalise overall on the chances they had. Forest were unlucky not to go on and win that game.”
Johnson said: “Forest showed great character. To rally like they did after a goal like that, it's a big positive going forwards.
"Once they get on a run you can quite easily climb the league. Chris knows they're close.
"Tonight could have been a pivotal moment, but the performance was good."
On Stoke’s goal, Monk said: "At set-plays, especially corners, the near post is the most important role you can have.
"Your job is to defend that space and attack anything. He loses that concentration.
"Maybe he thought the keeper would deal with it. Lewis has to deal with it. He'll know that himself."
