Nottingham Forest signed off their winter break with a 2-1 victory over Valencia in their final friendly before the season resumes.
The visitors had been on the back foot for much of the first half as they struggled to get a foothold in the game. But they held the advantage at the break, thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal five minutes before the whistle.
Lewis O’Brien went close to opening the scoring inside the first minute, forcing a decent save from Mamardashvili from Morgan Gibbs-White’s square ball. Chances were at a premium after that, however, as the hosts dominated possession.
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Marcos Andre caused problems for the Reds, with Ryan Yates stepping in to block one effort and Dean Henderson thwarting another. The Forest stopper was on hand right at the end of the half to deny Samu Castillejo, too.
By then, the away side were 1-0 up. Yates drew the goalkeeper into action with 35 minutes gone, after being set up by Awoniyi. And the latter made the breakthrough five minutes later, rolling the ball into an empty net after good work by Jesse Lingard in the build-up. The only worry for Forest was Gibbs-White seemingly picking up a knock, which forced him to come off.
Valencia had a couple of chances early in the second half. And they levelled just before the hour, when Hugo Duro slotted in from Fran Perez’s pass.
But the Reds retook the lead thanks to a lovely flick from Gustavo Scarpa and a composed finish by Dennis. Brennan Johnson and Gustavo Scarpa went close to putting the visitors further ahead, but it finished 2-1 to the visitors. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Mestalla Stadium.
Dean Henderson: Made some decent saves, with Valencia looking sharp when they had the ball. Won’t be happy with the one conceded, though. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo: Did a job at right-back, even if he didn’t look particularly comfortable there. Seemed more at ease when he switched to the left late on. Rating: 6.5/10
Steve Cook: Made some solid headed clearances as Valencia put plenty of balls into the box. Helped limit the hosts to few clearcut chances despite them seeing a lot of the ball. Rating: 7/10
Joe Worrall: Tried to be progressive when he had the ball. Didn’t always come off as the Reds found it tough to make it stick, but at least looked to get them going. Rating: 7/10
Renan Lodi: Pushed forward more in the second half, making some driving runs - even if he wasn’t always spotted. A good run-out for the Brazilian. Rating: 6.5/10
Orel Mangala: Showed some classy touches when he got the ball, including a few neat turns. Could be a big player in the second half of the season. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates: He doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the word ‘friendly’. Got stuck in from the word go, making blocks and having a go at goal. Rating: 7/10
Lewis O’Brien: Punished for a poor choice of pass in the second half as that led to Valencia’s equaliser. Had been tenacious in the middle of the pitch, though, Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: A worry to see him forced off, but hopefully nothing more than precautionary after he seemed to have picked up a knock. He at least walked off okay. Rating: 6.5/10
Jesse Lingard: Forced the opening for Awoniyi with a determined bit of play as his pressing caused problems for the hosts. Had found it tough to really get into the game otherwise. Rating: 7/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Made the most of the one chance which came his way. A neat finish to open the scoring as he strode forward and rolled the ball into an empty net. Rating: 7/10
Subs
Brennan Johnson (for Gibbs-White, 38mins): Had a couple of good chances to get on the scoresheet. Was lively when he came on. Rating: 7.5/10
Willy Boly (for Worrall, 46mins): Chipped in with an important block when the visitors came under pressure. Put his case forward to keep his place when the season restarts. Rating: 7/10
Scott McKenna (for Cook, 46mins): Forest won’t be happy with the goal conceded - it was a sloppy one. But the back line generally did okay otherwise. Rating: 7/10
Gustavo Scarpa (for Lingard, 59mins): Caused a ripple of excitement whenever he got the ball. Constantly looked to make something happen, and weighed in with a delightful assist. Rating: 7.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis (for Awoniyi, 59mins): Took his goal really well, showing great composure. Celebrated in style by doing the Griddy dance. Rating: 7.5/10
Loic Mbe Soh (for Lodi, 70mins): Defended reasonably well during his time on the pitch as Forest saw out the game. Rating: 6.5/10
Loic Bade (for Yates, 77mins): Good to see him get some minutes. Made a terrific run late on. Rating: 7/10
Sam Surridge (for Mangala, 77mins): A really bright cameo appearance, setting Johnson up with a delightful through-ball. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs not used: Smith, Hennessey.
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