Could they respond? Could they put disappointment behind them? Could they show Friday was just a one-off; a blip?
Nottingham Forest had not been in this position since the end of January. Finding themselves having to bounce back from a league defeat, having lost - controversially - 1-0 at Luton Town last week. This was a test. A challenge. A question to be answered. And the Reds issued a very clear reply.
There’s still work to be done. A top-six spot is by no means secure, given how tight the table is. But Forest have put themselves in a very good position.
Read more: Re-live the action from the City Ground
Read more: Cooper names his Forest team to face West Brom
They have also shown they can handle set-backs. After all, it wasn’t just the points dropped at Kenilworth Road which put an obstacle in their way. The Reds are likely to be without striker Keinan Davis for the remainder of the regular season, due to the hamstring injury he sustained against the Hatters.
It was another blow. More so as they were also without Lewis Grabban, because of illness, at the City Ground. Getting over the line, particularly at this stage of the season, requires belief, strength in adversity and mental fortitude. Forest have again shown they have got bags of all of that in abundance. They will need those qualities in the remaining games.
West Bromwich Albion going a man down with 20 minutes gone didn’t help the visitors’ cause. And Steve Cooper’s side took advantage to ease to a 4-0 win, bouncing back in style.
Goals from Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates, Jack Colback (what a stunner that was) and Sam Surridge gave the final scoreline a healthy glow. Goal difference could prove vital, too. Now they have to keep that going. Finish the job.
