Nottingham Forest U23s secured back-to-back victories with an excellent 2-0 victory at undefeated Reading in their latest Premier League 2 Division 2 fixture.
The young Reds had went into the fixture on Sunday night off the back of the morale-boosting 4-1 Premier League Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers and this victory was even more impressive as The Reds were forced to make six changes from the starting XI at Meadow Lane.
Forest started positively at the Madejski Stadium and went close to opening the scoring inside the first five minutes when Lewis Salmon was denied by a Harvey Collins save, before Will Swan struck wide after being picked out by Julian Larsson.
Reading’s Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan came closest early on for the hosts, linking up with Mamadi Camara before seeing his effort fall wide of Jordan Smith’s post.
Salmon went close again for Forest on 17 minutes when full-back Jayden Richardson’s cross was met by the striker but his header was just off target.
The hosts grew into the game as the first half progressed, Jahmari Clarke looking dangerous on the left, cutting inside and shooting wide of the post and then going close again following a well-worked corner but his header was smothered by Smith.
HT Reading U23s 0-0 Nottingham Forest U23s
Ateef Konate, fresh from his superb goal for Andy Reid’s side on Monday evening, had his first glimpse of an opportunity on the hour mark but, after initially breaking into the box, he was denied by Collins in The Royals’ goal.
Konate and Larsson linked up together moments later, with the latter calling Collins into another save following an effort from the edge of the box.
However, the young Swedish striker was not to be denied on 68 minutes when his powerful volley from inside the penalty area beat Collins to give The Reds the lead.
Chances for both sides followed, substitutes Jeremiah Okine-Peters and Benji Purcell both had opportunities for Reading but a Jordan Smith save and wayward strike preserved Forest’s lead, before Konate had a chance to double the lead but for another Collins stop.
However, The Reds got the all-important second goal after 81 minutes and it was Larsson again, doubling his tally for the evening from the penalty spot.
The victory was the first of the season in the league for the Under 23s, following the defeats at Aston Villa and Wolves and the point against Southampton to leave the young Reds in ninth place in Premier League 2 Division 2.
FT: Reading U23s 0-2 Nottingham Forest U23s
MATCH STATISTICS
Reading U23s: Harvey Collins, Imari Samuels, Tyrell Ashcroft, Ethan Bristow, Michael Stickland ©, Louis Holzman, Claudio Osorio, Malachi Talent-Aryeetey, Mamadi Camara, Jahmari Clarke, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan
Substitutes: Matt Rowley, Benji Purcell, Kayle Spray, David Nyarko, Jeremiah Okin-Peters
Forest U23s (4-3-3): Jordan Smith; Jayden Richardson, Baba Fernandes, Sam Sanders, Rezart Rama; Tyrese Fornah ©, Billy Fewster, Ateef Konate (Joe Gardner 89’); Julian Larsson, Lewis Salmon, Will Swan (Jack Nadin 65’).
Substitutes not used: Nicky Hogarth (GK), Aaron Donnelly, Justin Hanks
Goals: Julian Larsson (68', 81' pen)
Bookings: Will Swan (29'), Sam Sanders (60')
Referee: Matthew Russell
REIDY’S VIEW
U23s Head Coach Andy Reid was delighted with the win: “This was an excellent performance from start to finish.
“We really dominated possession and territory, there was good intensity to our play both in and out of possession, and the attitude was spot on.
“It gives us a great base to kick on from. Lots of fantastic performances but special mention for Julian Larsson. Not just his goals, but his attitude and performances this season have been outstanding and the goals tonight just top it off.”
NEXT MATCH
Andy Reid’s youngsters are next in action next Monday (20th September) against Birmingham City at Notts County Lane. Kick-off is 7pm. Please come down to Meadow Lane and support the young lads.