Forest U21s were in Premier League 2 Division 2 action on Monday evening as our young Reds hosted Sunderland at the Impact Arena.
Northern Ireland duo Dale Taylor and Aaron Donnelly both returned to the side following international duty, with Oli Hammond also coming into the team after starting for Wales U21 last week.
In search of a first league win this campaign, The Reds started brightly and had a number of efforts towards the Sunderland goal in the first half but couldn’t quite work a breakthrough.
Fresh from finding the net for Northern Ireland U21s against Scotland last week, Taylor looked to open the scoring just before the break but saw an effort rebound against visiting goalkeeper Adam Richardson’s post and cleared to safety.
Ateef Konate was introduced at half-time as The Reds looked to break the deadlock, and it was the Frenchman who opened the scoring just four minutes into the second half as his direct free-kick from range beat Richardson.
Forest were dominant throughout the evening, registering more dangerous efforts on goal but were denied by Richardson on several occassions.
The Reds limited Sunderland to just one attempt on target throughout the evening, with George Shelvey largely untroubled in the Forest goal.
Konate’s goal proved to be the difference on the evening and handed our young Reds their first Premier League 2 Division 2 victory of the campaign.
Post-Match reaction
Speaking after the game, U21 Coach Dave Rogers said: "The work ethic, discipline and application was fantastic from the players tonight.
"We asked the lads to play on the front foot and be positive throughout which they were and especially keeping a clean sheet was really pleasing.
"Overall we created some good chances and pressed aggressively and constructively and hopefully now the lads can build momentum and continue to play with confidence."
Next up for Forest is a trip to face East Midlands rivals Derby County next Monday, kick-off 7pm.
Team Line-ups
Nottingham Forest: Shelvey; Zach Abbott, Loic Mbe Soh, Aaron Donnelly, Josh Powell; Jamie McDonnell, Billy Fewster; Sam Collins, Oli Hammond, Jack Perkins (Ateef Konate 46’); Dale Taylor (Lewis Salmon 78’)
Substitutes: Ryan Hammond, Alex Gibson-Hammond, Ben Hammond
Goals: Ateef Konate (49’)
Sunderland: Adam Richardson, Ethan Kachosa, Nathan Newell, Cameron Jessop, Zak Johnson, Ben Crompton, Thomas Chiabi, Marshall Burke, Max Thompson, Connor Pye, Owen Robinson
Substitutes: Callum Wilson, Harrison Bond, Harry Gardner, Oliver Bainbridge, Tommy Watson