Forest continued preparations for the Premier League with a 1-0 versus Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.
On a balmy evening in Burton, it was the home side who made the brighter start and hit the post in the fifth minute as Gassan Ahadme pounced on a loose ball in front of the many travelling Reds’ fans who packed out the East Stand terrace
Forest, however, soon found their rhythm with new signing Giulian Biancone threatening with two surging runs down the right side on the 10th and 12th minute.
Taiwo Awoniyi, making his second appearance for The Reds, fired just over the bar in the 14th minute following a block and move forwards from fellow new signing Moussa Niakhate.
Two minutes later Awoniyi featured again as a one-touch move from Henderson, Niakhate and Colback put Oli Hammond through at pace who found the Nigerian international on the left, who threaded through to Lyle Taylor who saw his shot saved by the Burton keeper.
Shortly before half time, Colback and Hammond linked up on the right with the latter’s shot just wide of the right post.
Following a knock to Lyle Taylor early in the second half, Alex Mighten came on and made an immediate impact for The Reds, winning a corner in 56th minute on the right side.
Cafu subsequently picked out Steve Cook who headed home at the far post.
Forest made eight changes in the 64th minute, with goalkeeper Henderson and Hammond being the only two remaining starters.
On 77 minutes, Mighten linked up with Dale Taylor, which saw the latter’s shot deflected over the bar. Minutes later it was a last ditch tackle that stopped Taylor being clean through as Forest searched for a second.
In the final minute, Burton hunted an equaliser but the young Reds held firm and saw out for the first win of pre-season.
Forest now travel to Oakwell on Saturday to face Barnsley in match three of the pre-season schedule.