Giulian Biancone scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest as their pre-season schedule began with a 3-1 defeat.
The Reds took the lead against Coventry City at the Pinatar Arena in Spain. But the Sky Blues responded before the interval and then took the lead in a second half which saw a youthful side fielded by boss Steve Cooper.
In searing heat, the game took a while to get going, with not much by way of action in the opening minutes. Forest gradually began to hit their stride, though, and started applying some pressure.
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Joe Lolley sent an effort over the bar from distance. And Lyle Taylor had a shot blocked after a neat turn and good play on the edge of the area.
On the quarter hour, Gustavo Hamer almost managed an opening for the Sky Blues. Spotting Reds goalkeeper Dean Henderson off his line, he went for goal from some way out. The Manchester United loanee was alert to the danger, however, and plucked the ball out of the air.
Forest had an injury scare midway through the half when Lolley went down and required treatment. The winger, who was playing in the No.10 role, gave the bench the thumbs up to continue but was soon taken off as a precaution.
Taylor went closest to opening the scoring as half-time neared. The front man sent a glancing header narrowly wide of the far post from Nicholas Ioannou’s cross.
Still, a few minutes later, the breakthrough did come. It was a neat finish from Giulian Biancone on his debut, bending the ball into the far bottom corner after good build-up play from the Reds.
However, it was all-square at the break as Coventry levelled just before the interval. Matt Godden supplied a clinical finish to beat Henderson, as he latched on to a through-ball.
A youthful Forest side took to the pitch for the second half as Cooper rung the changes. The Sky Blues worked a couple of openings early on, then took the lead through former Red Tyler Walker.
It should have been 2-2 after good play by Braian Ojeda. However, Nuno Da Costa and Alex Mighten were unable to convert from close range.
A few minutes later, City went down the other end and increased their lead. Walker was on target again, drilling the ball past ex-teammate Jordan Smith.
The Sky Blues hit the post in the closing minutes through Fabio Tavares. For Forest, it was minutes in the bank as they were beaten 3-1 in their opening friendly. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the players at the Pinatar Arena.
Dean Henderson: Comfortable with the ball at his feet. Didn’t have too much to do, but probably be a little disappointed with the goal he did concede.
Joe Worrall: Constantly talked to his teammates and looked to push forward. Some solid tackles.
Steve Cook: Called upon by Cooper to help organise at the back. Defence was largely untroubled for the most part.
Moussa Niakhate: Promising first appearance from the defender. Looked good in possession.
Giulian Biancone: Nice goal on his debut. Was constantly urged to go ‘higher’ by Cooper - and it paid dividends.
Ryan Yates: Constantly looking to get involved, harrying the opposition when they had the ball.
Jack Colback: If anyone was going to get a yellow card in a friendly… No holding back from the midfielder.
Nicholas Ioannou: Lovely cross created a chance for Taylor. Will have been keen to impress after returning from his loan spell.
Joe Lolley: Gave the bench the thumbs up after receiving treatment for a knock, but was taken off shortly after. Hopefully just as a precaution.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Physical presence caused problems. Involved in the opener with some good play in the build-up.
Lyle Taylor: Looked bright. Had a couple of chances, including going close with a header.
Jordan Smith: Doesn’t get too many run-outs. Beaten twice by his former teammate, Tyler Walker.
Fin Back: Back line had its work cut out at times. Good experience all the same, though.
Loic Mbe Soh: A decent showing from the defender, who could probably do with a loan move for more regular minutes.
Jonathan Panzo: Looked pretty comfortable at the back, even in a second half where a young Forest side came under more pressure.
Aaron Donnelly: Great to see some of the younger players involved. Being in Spain with the senior side will have been a valuable experience.
Cafu: One of the more experienced heads in a youthful second half XI, and wore the armband well.
Braian Ojeda: Involved in some decent moves, including setting up a good chance. Tried his luck himself, too.
Xande Silva: Can’t fault his effort, just couldn’t quite make it come off.
Oli Hammond: Did well when called upon to replace Lolley, and kept that going in the second half.
Alex Mighten: How did he not score? So close to equalising. Looked really sharp otherwise, though.
Nuno da Costa: Like Mighten, should have scored from Ojeda’s ball in.
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