Steve Cooper spoke earlier in the week about facing a gradual step up in opposition as Nottingham Forest build up to their Premier League return. And so it proved.
Against a Union Berlin side who finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, the Reds had their work cut out. Their opponents were another step on from Hertha Berlin, who Cooper’s men had beaten 3-1 in midweek.
Jordan Siebatcheu’s goal just before half-time proved to be the difference between the two sides at the final whistle. And while more match minutes will have been the most valuable aspect of the encounter for Forest, it still also provided plenty of food for thought.
READ MORE: James Garner backed for Forest 'opportunity' as Man United transfer decision looms
READ MORE: Forest point made after 'tough' encounter against Union Berlin
Returning hero
The esteem in which Taiwo Awoniyi is held at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei is clear. There remains great affection for the striker, as shown by his hero’s reception.
Back on his old stomping ground for the first time since his move Trentside last month, it was a chance for Union fans to show their appreciation - and for Awoniyi to say a proper goodbye. There was a standing ovation, hugs all round and a presentation gift for the returning forward.
Awoniyi had a great goal-scoring record for the club. Last term, he bagged 20 goals in 43 appearances.
His start at Forest has been more on the quiet side. He is still very much finding his feet, and Cooper’s challenge is to try to find a way of getting the best out of him. But the love he was shown in Germany shows there is potential to unlock.
In the games so far, he hasn’t had too many clear-cut chances in front of goal. He had one decent opening on Saturday, from a Brennan Johnson run, which he fired wide. But the opportunities will surely come - the Reds, on the whole, have not yet been at their attacking best this summer.
A goal would no doubt do Awoniyi’s confidence the world of good. Some on social media were quick to offer an opinion on the front man after his latest run-out, but it makes little sense to simply write him off after a handful of friendlies.
Tough test
Goalmouth action was in short supply at both ends of the pitch. But the visitors were certainly made to work hard during the 90 minutes - and that will perhaps have been even more beneficial than had they eased to a comfortable win against a different opponent.
Union were physical. They hassled and harried, they pressed well and didn’t allow the Reds much time on the ball. Then, whenever Forest did threaten to apply pressure, the hosts were not shy about putting in the challenges - something the referee was content to let slide.
For the most part, Forest were well-disciplined and solid defensively; the only goal conceded came from a poor error. But sometimes the passing out from the back wasn’t always the sharpest, as shown by Steve Cook’s loose pass which led to Siebatcheu’s winner. Long balls also started to creep in a little too often.
Going forward, getting the cohesion right will be key. With Jesse Lingard not involved, Brennan Johnson once again took up the no.10 role, behind Awoniyi and Alex Mighten. It wasn’t easy for him to get into the game, though, while the two ahead of him also didn’t see too much of the ball.
New signings
Five of the 11 summer arrivals made the starting XI. In addition to Awoniyi, Dean Henderson, Neco Williams, Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo all made the line-up.
Henderson made a couple of terrific saves, including one at full stretch early on. He was also quick to come out and collect balls into the box, spotting the danger in good time thanks to good positioning.
Williams has the potential to be a really exciting addition. He looks much more comfortable on the right, and although he didn’t get too many opportunities to put Union on the back foot, when he did, he looked dangerous.
Toffolo, on the opposite flank, showed he has a wicked strike on him, hitting the post with a fierce effort in the first half. And there was plenty to be pleased about for his former Huddersfield Town teammate, Lewis O’Brien, too.
For O’Brien, it was his first appearance, having not been involved at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday night. He slotted in seamlessly. Working tirelessly alongside Jack Colback, he was always keen to get on the ball and showed some neat touches.
Giulian Biancone and Moussa Niakhate both came off the bench in the second half. The duo have already shown plenty of positives in the previous matches, and Niakhate caught the eye again this time around. There was a brilliant bit of defending where he put off Siebatcheu as he went to finish from close range. Although still gelling as a squad, the transfer business done so far, on the whole, looks promising.
Youngsters’ opportunity
Cooper has continued to give some of the club’s up-and-coming talent chances in pre-season. The trip to Germany and being involved against a good Bundesliga side will have provided terrific experience.
Oli Hammond has impressed in the games he has played, and got more minutes on Saturday. Dale Taylor also came off the bench for the final quarter of an hour. Meanwhile, George Shelvey and Aaron Donnelly were among the unused substitutes.
Weighing up which players would most benefit from loan spells is a big call - with the likes of Mighten and Loic Mbe Soh also falling into that category, although the head coach has indicated the former can have a part to play in the top-flight. Forest do not want to leave themselves short, either in terms of first-team numbers or for the Under-23s.
Cooper likes to have some of the young players involved in training during the season when he can. The Welshman has clearly been keen to take a good look at a number of them this summer, though. And the future definitely looks bright.
Who stood out for you against Union Berlin? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT:
