John Collins glad to win the three points

“It was important for us to win and stretch our lead at the top of the table. “Perhaps it was uncharacteristic of us at the end when we didn't show enough composure but remember that Forest wanted to win too.”

Nottingham Forest manager David Platt was not too despondent after the defeat. “We had studied Fulham and we had a plan which was to hit them on the break but it did not work in the first half,” he said.

“When we had the ball we did not keep it long enough, and it was disappointing that in the end we were beaten by one straight ball and a bit of pace.

“Perhaps we had a lack of quality with the final ball but I can't fault the players. If they play like that for the rest of the season we should get enough points to be in the play-offs.

“We didn't come for a point today but we might have got one. I'm delighted with our performance and with the spirit we showed.”