Head coach Steve Cooper was pleased to give the away fans something to cheer as Nottingham Forest ended the season with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal - his 10th in the Premier League this term - had given the Reds the lead at Selhurst Park on the final day. But they had to settle for a point as Will Hughes replied for the hosts after the break.
With Forest having already secured survival, there was a party atmosphere among the travelling support which continued throughout. And they were able to enjoy a special moment with the players, Cooper, staff and owner Evangelos Marinakis after the final whistle. It epitomised the unity on and off the pitch which has played a huge part in the club staying up.
READ MORE: How the Reds rated against Palace
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at Selhurst Park
“We wanted a win,” Cooper said. “It was important to give the supporters a result. Our away support has been incredible this year, and we haven’t given them enough back in terms of results and sometimes performances.
“Although we didn’t win the game, I am really pleased we did get a result. To be honest, it could have been any result today and you would have got the same atmosphere. But the fact they gave us that and we were able to give them a positive result and have a moment at the end like that is really important.
“It just shows the real togetherness with everyone at the club. I’m just glad it ended up like that. We would love to have won, of course, but at least the supporters got something to take away with them.”
The goal which ensured the Reds finished the campaign four unbeaten was a real moment of quality. Morgan Gibbs-White’s exquisite pass found Awoniyi, who did well to hold on to the ball, then twisted and turned to create the chance before firing into the net.
“It was an amazing goal,” Cooper added. “It was a good pass from Morgan and a great run from T, but from there he’s done amazing to carve out the goal.
“Once he carved out the chance, it was a brilliant finish. It was a goal of real quality.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
