Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 at Barnsley in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.
Chances were in short supply for both sides. But players got more valuable minutes under their belts as the Reds continued their preparations for the Premier League campaign.
Played in sweltering conditions, the first half saw little by way of action at either end of the pitch. Forest did put together some decent passing moves, but couldn’t quite test Brad Collins in the Barnsley goal.
The first chance of note went to the Tykes, just before the quarter-hour. Jack Aitchison pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and drove goalwards, but his low drive took a deflection and was comfortably gathered by Henderson.
READ MORE: Re-live the action from Oakwell
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Henderson was then forced off as the half-hour neared, with the shot-stopper looking a little uncomfortable as he went to kick the ball. The substitution saw Wayne Hennessey make his debut, and he was quickly called into action, getting behind a Devante Cole effort from range.
At the opposite end, Taiwo Awoniyi tried his luck with a clever lofted shot from a tight angle which dropped wide. And Giulian Biancone headed a Moussa Niakhate cross well wide just before the whistle.
The hosts started the second half the brighter of the two teams as Henderson tipped over a shot from Cole early on. But it was the Reds who went closest to the breakthrough.
Having won a corner, substitute Alex Mighten picked up the ball again and squared for Joe Worrall. The defender drew a good save from Brad Collins with a powerful strike from inside the area.
Mighten then tried to set up Awoniyi with another driving run. And Oli Hammond spurned a decent opportunity when he latched on to Biancone’s cross, sending his effort over the bar.
There was no way through at either end, however, as the match finished goalless. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Oakwell.
Dean Henderson: Looked like being just precautionary to bring him off. Didn’t seem to be anything too serious, but no need to take any risks as he appeared slightly uncomfortable when going to kick the ball.
Joe Worrall: Close to getting on the scoresheet with a fine effort in the second half; struck it well, and drew a good save.
Steve Cook: Defence did try to play the ball out from the back when they could. Organised things pretty well when Barnsley looked to press.
Moussa Niakhate: Another promising display. Not everything worked, but the same could be said about Forest as a whole as a new-look side beds in. Moved into the centre of the three when substitutions were made.
Giulian Biancone: Drove forward well and put in some decent crosses, including setting up Oli Hammond in the second half. Had one of Forest’s few chances before the break.
Cafu: Barnsley pressed the midfield well, making for a tough outing in hot conditions. Forest just needed more of a spark from somewhere.
Jack Colback: Doesn’t hold back, even in a friendly. Not shy of going in for a strong tackle - not that you would expect anything less.
Neco Williams: First outing for the former Liverpool man, who was deployed on the left. Made some encouraging runs and got stuck into a tackle early on.
Oli Hammond: Had a good opportunity for the breakthrough, just couldn’t quite control his shot. Another lively display, though.
Brennan Johnson: A sharp intake of breath when he was on the end of a late challenge from Luca Connell - right in front of Steve Cooper, too, who gave the Barnsley man an earful. The Reds ace was fine to continue, though.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Chances were few and far between to try to work the Tykes. Tried a clever effort before the break, but didn’t quite come off in the way he had hoped.
Subs
Wayne Hennessey (27mins): Called into action sooner than he perhaps anticipated. Had to quickly make a save, too. Will be glad of getting minutes under his belt.
Nicholas Ioannou (46mins): Some good link-up play down the left flank, working well with Alex Mighten.
Scott McKenna (46mins): A rendition of ‘you’ll never beat McKenna’ got its first outing of the summer as the Scot made his first appearance.
Alex Mighten (46mins): Really impressive once again. Very positive and created some openings with his driving runs.
Loic Mbe Soh (62mins): Comfortable in possession and played some nice passes.
Richie Laryea (62mins): Showed a decent bit of pace with a good run down the right-hand side.
Braian Ojeda (62mins): Made some positive runs. This wasn’t a game for the purist, though.
Lyle Taylor (62mins): Was tough going for the most part, in a game of very few chances, even when the changes were made.
Dale Taylor (62mins): Had a go with a shot which was charged down.
Billy Fewster (62mins): Valuable experience for the youngster. Gave a good account of himself.
Aaron Donnelly (62mins): Didn’t get too long on the pitch, as was substituted for Zach Abbott. Good experience nevertheless.
Zach Abbott (82mins): Will take a lot from his time on the pitch.
Subs not used: Smith.
Who stood out for you at Oakwell? Have your say in the comments below
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