Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce has praised his side for fighting back during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic.

Forest conceded after just nine minutes at the City Ground before a strike from Robert Tesche on the hour earned them a share of the spoils in the Championship encounter.

While admitting that his players did not impress him in the first half, Pearce believes that they can be proud of how they played after the break.

"It was a game of two halves. In the first half we showed no desire, no devilment, no real oomph, and there was a real nervousness about our play," he told the club's official website.

"The second half was a total contrast. I thought the players got on the front foot, showed good desire and energy – all the things that were lacking in the opening 45.

"We deserved to win the game on that second-half performance alone. That will serve as a learning curve for this football club, for us as coaches and the playing staff as well."

Forest continue their Championship campaign next Saturday when they make the trip to Rotherham United.