Full-time at Craven Cottage. Pandemonium in the away end. Pure passion on the pitch.
Steve Cooper gave his traditional post-victory salute. But this time there was a little bit more. That's how much it meant.
Even a police line which had taken up position in front of the stand couldn’t get in his way. The Nottingham Forest boss burst through, inadvertently shoulder-barging anyone in his path, and let out a guttural roar as he clenched his fists in front of the travelling supporters.
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The Reds’ back line, on the other hand, had proved to be far more robust. There was no way that was being breached.
Fulham threw everything at the visitors right up until the final whistle as they went in search of a result to clinch the title. But Forest are fighting for something too - and perhaps more than most observers might have expected.
The race for second is on. The gap to Bournemouth - after they came from 3-0 down to draw at Swansea City - stands at three points. With three games to go. If it wasn’t spicy enough already, next week’s clash at the Vitality Stadium between the two sides just got even tastier.
No way through
The hosts had 75 percent possession and 20 shots on goal in a game played at a frantic pace. They also had the league’s (far and away) top scorer in Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is bidding to break the post-war second tier record of 42 goals in a season. But still their opponents did not falter.
Time and time again Marco Silva’s side bounced off a Reds wall. And if they did manage an effort on target, they came up against Brice Samba in fantastic form. Fabio Carvalho was denied by two superb saves, with the second a brilliant diving stop pushed away by the goalkeeper’s fingertips.
Joe Worrall, Steve Cook and Scott McKenna were imperious. But this was also a team effort, and not just the XI who started. To a man, all contributed to a warrior-like defensive performance.
It was harsh on Tobias Figueiredo to miss out on a place in the starting line-up, having been excellent in Cook’s absence. Cooper explained the Portuguese had been feeling his ankle, but that, tactically, he also felt this was a game made for the January signing.
He wasn’t wrong. Cook let Mitrovic know he was in for a tough night early on when he cleaned him out with a thumping tackle. McKenna rose above the forward to ensure he was first to a corner soon after. And Worrall made countless blocks and clearances. Fulham could have taken a bulldozer to Forest on Tuesday night and still not got through.
Heart and soul
In his post-match interviews, Cooper spoke of his pride at the desire his team had shown. It was a really gutsy display. Every player ran themselves into the ground.
Few moments typified that spirit more than for what proved to be the winner. The Cottagers didn’t help themselves as Tim Ream and Marek Rodak got in a muddle. It took great determination from Philip Zinckernagel to make the most of it, though, and force the ball over the line.
Cooper could claim something of an assist, too. He had chucked the ball to Jack Colback to ensure a quick throw could be taken, with Sam Surridge then playing a lovely pass for Zinckernagel to chase.
For all the pressure they came under, Forest did have opportunities to extend their lead. Twice Brennan Johnson sent a teasing ball across the face, trying to find Surridge. A good stop denied him on one occasion. And then Johnson was thwarted late on when he latched on to a cross from Richie Laryea, after a fine run.
The Reds did cause problems on the counter. Tuesday night is not how Cooper likes matches to go - he wasn’t particularly happy that his side didn’t see too much of the ball. But they won the battles which mattered.
A squad game
However many matches they have left - be it three, five or six - Cooper will make it clear that every one of his players still has a part to play. Even if they don’t get on the pitch. Team spirit and unity will be crucial, with the head coach regularly referencing the need to “pull the bubble tighter”.
Forest’s strength in depth has played a key role in getting them this far. And it’s likely to come into play in the remaining games.
Lewis Grabban will miss the next two matches, at least. Keinan Davis and Max Lowe are still sidelined.
Colback and Zinckernagel, meanwhile, appeared to pick up knocks at Fulham. The Reds will be hoping it is nothing more than that for either of them.
Perhaps that was also why Surridge was brought off with 15 minutes to go - wrapping him in cotton wool, maybe. He had worked tirelessly throughout.
Colback’s departure did pave the way for a second appearance for Laryea. He seemed eager to make the most of his chance as he took up the right-back spot, with Djed Spence switching to the left.
You can also always count on Cafu to give his all whenever he enters the fray. Tuesday night was no different.
There’s a danger that injuries can be a factor in where any team finish. Cooper would still love to have as many players available as possible, and it would certainly make life easier. But Forest have shown they can cope with any setbacks posed better than most.
All to play for
It almost seemed forgotten amid the wider picture, but victory in the capital made mathematically certain of a top-six finish for Cooper’s men. They are in the play-offs at the very least - something which was barely on the radar when they were beaten 4-0 by Fulham in the reverse fixture a month into the Welshman’s tenure. Just to get into this position is remarkable, from where they were.
All eyes are on the tussle for second spot now, though. What a final three games there are ahead. Win them all and Forest could pinch automatic promotion.
Next Tuesday’s trip to the south coast promises to be pivotal. Bournemouth are currently three points in front, with the same number of games left and with an identical goal difference.
The Cherries have won once in their last five outings, although they will no doubt feel galvanised by their stirring comeback at Swansea. The Reds, by contrast, have won six of their last seven. They have got no shortage of belief right now.
Still, Cooper was quick to turn the attention to Saturday’s final home clash of the season, against his old club. As the Swans have shown, they will provide a tough test.
Bournemouth also have one of those at the weekend, making the trip to Blackburn Rovers - a side still in with a chance of making the play-offs. There is still time for more twists and turns.
