3 things we clearly learnt about Nottingham Forest after their 0-0 draw v Preston North End

This result has seen Steve Cooper’s side fall out of the play-off places.

Middlesbrough’s comeback win over West Brom saw them leapfrog the Reds, which has moved Forest down to seventh in the table.

Preston had the better control of the game, but neither side could break the deadlock and thus the points were shared.

Here we look at THREE things we learned from Tuesday night’s draw… 

Lewis Grabban’s absence from the side was obvious as the team struggled to convert their chances.

The Reds weren’t at their best on Tuesday night, but Forest’s forwards couldn’t take advantage of the chances they did create.

Grabban has proved decisive in close matches in the past, but the team was unable to get the result over the line without him.

This is where Keinan Davis needs to prove himself ready to step up at this level.

The team is relying on him to bag the winning goal, but it wasn’t to be at Deepdale.

The difference between making the play-offs and falling just short can come in games like these.

Their rivals will be very happy to see Cooper’s side drop points like this.

The sides who make the top six get the win over the line despite not playing well, and it is that consistency that defines their play-off qualification.

There’s still plenty of games left for Forest to make up for this result, but many more frustrating 0-0 draws like this and they can kiss a top six finish goodbye.

Despite their issues up front, Forest remained defensively resolute throughout the game.

Preston had the majority of possession, but were unable to carve open too many chances against the stern back three.

Forest limited the Lilywhites to only four shots on target from 15 strikes.

It is that kind of defensive solidity that can be the backbone of a top