Forest B team came out on top in a closely fought affair as they beat Aston Villa U21s 3-0, courtesy of a first half strike from Ateef Konaté and an Esapa Osong double either side of half time.
It was an assured performance by Warren Joyce’s side and an important result as Forest B aim to secure a playoff spot in the backend of the season.
The hosts got off to a strong start with Jack Nadin pulling the ball back from the byline to Kyle McAdam whose shot was blocked, but Konate was there to fire home in the third minute.
Villa’s first opportunity fell to Kobei Moore, his effort being repelled well by Aaron Bott after smart interplay between the opposing forwards.
Forest doubled their lead in the 21st minute through Osong who fired the ball into the bottom left corner from just outside the area after brilliant build up play by strike partner Konaté.
With half an hour played Forest looked like getting another goal, this time Nadin’s sliding shot being blocked by the defender following a rapid counter-attack.
HALF TIME: Forest 2-0 Aston Villa U21s
Nadin had a great opportunity straight after the half time whistle, winning the ball high then striking the ball on the half volley straight into the goalkeeper's gloves.
The home team were happy to soak up pressure in the second half and play on the counte-rattack, with this tactic nearly paying off midway through the half but excellent Villa defending stopped Nadin’s shot finding the corner.
A couple of minutes later Jamie McDonnell rose highest to meet Nadin’s corner, however Lander Emery dived down magnificently to push the ball onto the post.
Osong got his second of the game in the 82nd minute, latching onto Jamie Newton’s through ball then calmly rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home into the corner.
Forest B team will be looking to take this momentum into Monday’s game when they face Reading U21s at the Loughborough University Stadium.
FULL TIME: Forest B 3-0 Aston Villa U21s
Forest: Bott, Sinclair, McAdam, Thompson, Abbott, McDonnell, Perry (Whitehall), Nadin, Osong (Norkett), Konate (Newton), Perkins
Subs not used: Willows, Thompson
Goals: Konaté (3’) Osong (21’, 82’)
Aston Villa U21s: Emery, Rowe, Patterson, Bogarde, Swinkels (Katsukunya), Borland (Ealing), Afoka (Young), Alcock, Moore, Wilson, Pierre (Jimoh-Aloba)
Subs not used: Wright