- Early Harry Birtwistle strike hands Wolves U23s the points against Forest U23s
Andy Reid’s side made the trip to Kidderminster's Aggborough Stadium to face Wolves U23s in the Premier League 2 Division 2 on Friday evening.
Four of the Forest starting XI featured for the first team during the midweek Carabao Cup second round fixture, also against Wolves, at The City Ground on Wednesday evening in Jayden Richardson, Baba Fernandes, Oliver Hammond and Ateef Konate.
The Reds threatened on 12 minutes when Will Swan worked space for a strike but saw his powerful right-footed effort crash into the side netting from a tight angle.
Three minutes later Wolves took the lead through Harry Birtwistle despite the best efforts of Reds goalkeeper Jordan Wright. Lewis Richards’ initial effort was well saved by Wright before the shot-stopper reacted quickly to block the follow-up strike, but Birtwistle was on hand to eventually tuck the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Wolves almost doubled the lead on 28 minutes following a swift break up field, Chem Campbell moving into the box before picking out Conor Carty but Wright made another impressive stop to deny the forward.
The Reds had chances of their own as Billy Fewster’s effort from range was beaten away by Andreas Söndergaard followed by Hammond’s deflected strike which was well gathered by Wolves’ Danish keeper.
HT: Wolves U23s 1-0 Forest U23
Andy Reid looked to his bench during the break and replaced Fewster with Jamie McDonnell as The Reds looked to respond in the second half.
Chances were at a minimum for both insides inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half and Reid freshened his side up again, introducing Rezart Rama in place of Alex Gibson-Hammond on the hour mark.
Wolves fashioned an opening moments later as Wright was called on to deal with a dangerous low cross towards the six-yard box from Richards towards the on-rushing Carty.
Swan was replaced by fellow forward Lewis Salmon after 65 minutes and his first action was to win The Reds a corner but the hosts cleared the resulting delivery.
With six minutes remaining, Wolves substitute Erik Bugarin burst forward on the right hand side before cutting on to his left foot towards the edge of the penalty area but his strike was well blocked behind for a corner.
The Reds looked for an equaliser but Wolves stood firm and saw the game out at Aggborough.
Despite the setback, The Reds held their own against tonight's opponents and will look to bounce back on Sunday 12th September away at Reading U23s (kick-off 2pm).
FT: Wolves U23s 1-0 Forest U23
Match Statistics
Wolves (4-3-3): Andreas Söndergaard; Raphael Naya (Justin Hubner 89'), Nigel Lonwijk, Christian Marques, Lewis Richards; Pascal Estrada, Luke Cundle, Jack Scott; Harry Birtwistle (Erik Bugarin 73'), Chem Campbell (Dexter Lembikisa 79'); Conor Carty
Subs not used: Jamie Pardington (GK), Owen Farmer.
Forest (4-2-3-1): Jordan Wright; Jayden Richardson, Baba Fernandes, Sam Sanders, Reece Wylie; Billy Fewster (Jamie McDonnell 46’), Ollie Hammond; Alex Gibson-Hammond (Rezart Rama 60'), Ateef Konate, Julian Larsson; Will Swan (Lewis Salmon 66')
Subs not used: Joe Watkins, Aaron Donnelly
Goals: Harry Birtwistle (15')
Attendance: 303