Nottingham Forest beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 at the Pirelli Stadium in their fourth pre-season friendly.
A Lyle Taylor brace set the Reds on their way, before Hertha reduced the deficit before the interval. But an own goal wrapped up the victory in the second half.
Forest looked sharp from the off against their German opponents. And they were 2-0 up with 20 minutes gone.
Taiwo Awoniyi drew Rune Jarstein into action inside the opening few minutes with an effort on the turn from Neco Williams’ cross. The latter was at the heart of things again shortly after as the breakthrough came.
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Brennan Johnson played in his Wales teammate from a free-kick, and Williams whipped in a delicious cross to the far post. Scott McKenna’s header across goal looked to be going in, but Taylor made sure with nine minutes on the clock.
Ten minutes later, the striker was on the scoresheet again. Williams played a ball through for Awoniyi to chase, Jarstein dived at the front man’s feet but spilled the ball directly into Taylor’s path. It was a terrific finish to sweep the ball in from a tight angle.
Dean Henderson pulled off a stunning save to keep it at 2-0 just before the half hour, pushing away a curling strike from Derry Scherhant which was destined for the top corner.
And that sparked something of a resurgence from Hertha. Lucas Tousart and Vladimir Darida both tried their luck, before Scherhant pulled one back with a header on the stroke of half-time.
Chances were harder to come by for both sides in the second half, with boss Steve Cooper changing all 10 outfield players on the hour mark. The Reds still put together some nice moves, and an own goal from Lukas Ullrich made it 3-1 as he turned Aaron Donnelly’s cross into his own net. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Pirelli Stadium.
Dean Henderson: Tremendous save to thwart a well-struck effort from Derry Scherhant. That one was going in before the Manchester United loanee palmed it away at full stretch.
Joe Worrall: Chipped in with some thumping tackles. Back line looked really solid, giving their opponents very little change.
Moussa Niakhate: Another good runout for the defender. Could prove to be a fine addition if he keeps up this kind of form. Some lovely touches on the ball.
Scott McKenna: He’s picked up from where he left off last season. Unbeatable in the air (getting his head on Williams’ cross for the opener) and solid as a rock.
Neco Williams: Much more comfortable on the right, compared to Saturday. Had a hand in Forest’s first half goals and looked a threat throughout.
Cafu: Really good showing. Perhaps keen to demonstrate he can still have a part to play, following the arrival of Lewis O’Brien.
Jack Colback: Typically committed in the centre of the pitch. Having an excellent pre-season, so far.
Harry Toffolo: Thrown straight into the action, hours after his arrival was confirmed. Valuable minutes on the pitch and a chance to start to get to know his new teammates.
Brennan Johnson: Deployed in the no.10 role and looked sharp. Link-up play with Williams worked just as well as you’d expect.
Lyle Taylor: Excellent finish for his second as he curled it in from a tight angle, and a poacher’s goal for the first.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Involved in some nice link-up play and had a couple of sniffs in front of goal, drawing the error from Rune Jarstein for Forest’s second.
Subs
Giulian Biancone (61mins): Looks to have the makings of being a good signing. Solid again.
Steve Cook (61mins): An experienced presence in what was a young side in the second half. Helped keep things organised.
Loic Mbe Soh (61mins): Very comfortable in the back line. Game time in pre-season is proving valuable for the youngster.
Richie Laryea (61mins): Made some probing runs down the left flank.
Alex Mighten (61mins): A big decision to be made on whether he can play a part for the Reds this season. He’s certainly giving the manager plenty to think about. Taking his opportunities when they come.
Braian Ojeda (61mins): Showed some neat touches and played some nice passes.
Dale Taylor (61mins): Plenty to be pleased about every time he’s got on the pitch so far. Really encouraging.
Oli Hammond (61mins): Has really impressed in the friendlies, and did so again.
Billy Fewster (61mins): Showed plenty of promise. Seems to have a bright future ahead of him.
Aaron Donnelly (61mins): Dangerous cross forced the own goal from Lukas Ullrich. Had looked lively before that, too.
Subs not used: Smith, Hennessey, Ioannou.
Who stood out for you against Hertha Berlin? Have your say in the comments below
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