Steve Cook’s header secured a 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.
The Reds beat Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium as they continued their build-up to the Premier League campaign. And there was plenty for boss Steve Cooper to be pleased with.
The hosts went close to opening the scoring early on. Gassan Ahadme hit the post inside the opening five minutes, then Trialist A tested Dean Henderson when he cut inside and shot straight at the Reds keeper.
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Forest soon began to work some decent opportunities of their own, however. With Cooper constantly urging his team to ‘play’ and push ‘higher’, they started to apply some pressure.
After Taiwo Awoniyi had fired over, Lyle Taylor had a good chance for the breakthrough. It came about after Jack Colback set Oli Hammond free. The youngster tore up the pitch and squared to his teammate, who was denied by Ben Garratt diving at his feet. The ball then fell to Taylor again, but, off-balance, he couldn’t direct his effort on target.
Just before the break, the visitors put together their two best moves of the half. Some nice build-up play ended with Hammond and then Giulian Biancone going close as it was all-square at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Forest took the lead. An inviting corner from Cafu was met with a towering header from Steve Cook, with the centre-back directing it in off the far post.
Prior to that, the Reds had been forced into a change when Lyle Taylor picked up a knock.
A raft of substitutions then followed with 25 minutes to go as Cooper brought on a number of Forest youngsters. All gave a good account of themselves as Forest clinched the win, although Louis Moult missed a golden chance to equalise right at the death. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Pirelli Stadium.
Dean Henderson: Wasn’t really tested too much by Burton, but was alert to any danger. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and communicated well.
Joe Worrall: Back line as a whole worked well together. Cooper encouraged them all to bring the ball out from the back.
Steve Cook: Thumping header for his first goal for the Reds; a nice link-up with Cafu from a corner. Picked out some good passes, too.
Moussa Niakhate: Got a loud cheer when he made a big block right in front of the away fans. Urged to ‘play’ by Cooper as he directed proceedings from the touchline.
Giulian Biancone: Showing a lot of promise in his first couple of outings in the Garibaldi. Clearly likes to stretch his legs with runs down the right.
Cafu: Peach of a corner to tee up Cook for his goal. Received a lot of love from the away fans as he got stuck in.
Jack Colback: A typical Colback display. Good to see him back in the centre of the pitch, directing play.
Nicholas Ioannou: Made some probing runs down the left as Forest got a fair bit of joy down that flank. Involved in some nice moves.
Oli Hammond: Just as he did on Friday, gave a really accomplished performance. Pushed forward well.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Hold-up play was good and showed plenty of nice touches. Not afraid to have a go, trying his luck on a couple of occasions.
Lyle Taylor: Had one of the Reds’ best chances in the first half. No risks taken when he picked up a knock after the interval - walked off rather gingerly as he was substituted.
Subs
Alex Mighten (for Taylor, 53mins): Another really bright run-out. Pace was a useful asset as he ran at the Brewers defence.
Loic Mbe Soh (64mins): The second half back line did well. Generally kept the Brewers at bay.
Riley Harbottle (64mins): Particularly good at encouraging his teammates. Made himself heard and read things well.
Jonathan Panzo (64mins): Valuable minutes for the defender. Did well when he had the ball.
Fin Back (64mins): Looked to keep the Reds on the front foot by getting forward and
Aaron Donnelly (64mins): Like the rest of the young substitutions, can be pleased with his performance. Gave a good account of himself.
Braian Ojeda (64mins): Nice bit of play when he cleared a corner then sprinted up the pitch to contribute to the counterattack.
Ateef Konate (64mins): Bright and lively. Involved in some nice moves.
Dale Taylor (64mins): Tried to apply pressure on the Burton defence when he could.
Who do you think stood out at the Pirelli Stadium? Have your say in the comments below
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