A strong Forest XI featuring a number of first team regulars took the field at The Impact Arena for the first minutes of the 2021-22 pre-season sporting the new blue and pink Macron away kit.
A good following of Forest fans were on the terrace behind the goal The Reds were attacking in the first half, as Forest fans were welcomed back for the first time since the Millwall home game in March 2020.
After 18 minutes, Brennan Johnson, returning after his successful loan at Lincoln, collected the ball in the inside left position from a Lewis Grabban pass and scored with a cross shot in off the far post to give Forest the lead.
After 25 minutes, centre-half Baba Fernandes had a chance to double the lead but was unable to convert at the far post from a Forest corner.
Alex Mighten looked particularly lively with a number of probing runs down the left and he nearly scored after good work down the right by Ateef Konate and Jordan Gabriel after 32 minutes.
A new Forest XI took the field in the second half, including Joao Carvalho and Nuno da Costa returning from season long loans.
However, it was Alfreton who were back on terms after 55 minutes when Shaun Tuton equalised from a corner.
Ollie Hammond then hit the bar in the 61st minute cross shot with the Teddy Unwin-Marris well beaten in the Alfreton goal.
Forest were moving the ball confidently in midfield but Jordan Smith was forced into a save as Michael Williams broke through for Alfreton after 78 minutes.
With just two minutes remaining, Carvalho and Da Costa combined before da Costa’s through ball put Will Swan in the clear and he neatly slotted home to give Forest a 2-1 win.
Attendance: 805 (including 638 Forest fans)
1st half XI: Brice Samba; Josh Barnes, Loic Mbe Soh, Baba Fernandes, Jordan Gabriel; Jack Colback, Ryan Yates; Alex Mighten, Brennan Johnson, Ateef Konate; Lewis Grabban.
Subs not used: Jordan Wright, Tyrese Fornah, Rezert Rama, Ollie Hammond, Fin Back, Jayden Richardson, Will Swan.
2nd half XI: Jordan Smith; Fin Back, Rezart Rama, Tyler Blackett, Jayden Richardson; Tyrese Fornah, Cafu; Nuno da Costa, Joao Carvalho, Ollie Hammond; Will Swan.
Subs not used: Jordan Wright, Baba Fernandes, Ateef Konate, Josh Barnes.
Forest manager Chris Hughton gave his assessment on the afternoon's work:
"It's our first game so there's always going to be areas where we can do better, but more importantly it's about getting 45 minutes on the pitch for each player and making sure everyone gets through unharmed," he said.
"Pre-season is a good opportunity for some of the younger players and returning players to impress. It's a testing period for everyone and it's about making sure that we are where we want to be by the end of this pre-season period.
"It was great to see the supporters for the first time, the fans were even here when we arrived at the stadium which is something we've missed. They made themselves heard and it was brilliant to see them."