Forest graced the pitch today for the first time since Crystal Palace on the final day of the season as they got their pre-season underway on the opposite side of the River Trent against our neighbours Notts County ahead of their return to the EFL.
Head Coach, Steve Cooper named a strong XI for the first half that boasted an array of international talent including Neco Williams, Orel Mangala, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moussa Niakhate and Remo Freuler, as well as Joe Worrall.
The hosts had the first chance of the afternoon in the fourth minute, when a well-crafted one-two between Sam Austin and Aaron Nemane saw Austin with clear sight at goal from 12-yards out but he only managed to lift his shot over George Shelvey’s crossbar and into the sea of Red behind the goal.
Forest sprung into life in the 14th minute when Dennis’ quick throw-in found the feet of Awoniyi with his back to goal, he was able to unravel Connell Rawlinson with a delectable drag back before picking out Mangala 25-yards from goal, his low, drilled effort had Aidan Stone flailing in the County goal but the ball skipped just wide of the post and out for a goal kick.
The game displayed a great spirit from both sides and a decent tempo of play for a pre-season fixture, with Notts County relishing the opportunity of welcoming Premier League opposition. Austin found himself in the thick of the action once again when Worrall cleared the danger to the edge of the area with a low header, but Austin blazed his chance high and wide.
Half-time: Notts County 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Forest made 10 changes at the break, with the only player to retake their position being George Shelvey in the Forest goal. Notts County made 4 changes of their own including the introduction of Macauley Langstaff.
The Reds started the half emphatically when Hwang Ui-Jo introduced himself to the near 6,000 Forest faithful in attendance by tucking the ball home from close range after dispossessing Kyle Cameron and bolting through on goal within 30 seconds of the restart.
The Magpies made several more changes on the hour mark and looked rejuvenated in possession with fresh legs on the pitch. Their first chance of the half fell to the former Forest man, David McGoldrick who saw his header blocked, the rebound fell to Luther Munakandafa who dragged his shot wide with Shelvey remaining untroubled all afternoon.
Full Time: Notts County 0-1 Nottingham Forest
FOREST (First half): George Shelvey; Joe Worrall (C), Moussa Niakhate, Josh Powell, Neco Williams; Orel Mangala, Remo Freuler, Brandon Aguilera; Emmanuel Dennis, Alex Mighten, Taiwo Awoniyi
FOREST (Second half): George Shelvey; Scott McKenna, Willy Boly, Aaron Donnelly, Mohammed Drager; Danilo, Ryan Yates; Joe Gardner, Dale Taylor, Josh Bowler, Hwang Ui-Jo
Notts County: Aidan Stone, Kyle Cameron (C), Connell Rawlinson, Jim O’Brien, Sam Austin, Jodi Jones, Aaron Nemane, Matt Palmer, Cedwyn Scott, Tobi Adebayo-Rawling, Adam Chicksen