Nottingham Forest were beaten 1-0 by Union Berlin in their fifth pre-season friendly of the summer.
A step up in opposition for the Reds, Union Berlin provided a good test. The hosts saw plenty of the ball, pressed well when they didn’t have it and were a goal to the good at the break.
Forest took a while to get going in Germany, having to chase possession for long spells. Dean Henderson was called into action early on, making a fine save at full stretch to push away a header on the five-minute mark.
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But the visitors gradually began to work their way into the game, and were desperately close to opening the scoring. New signing Harry Toffolo tried his luck from range with a fierce, swerving effort which cannoned off the post before the 20-minute mark.
It was their opponents who made the breakthrough, however. A sloppy pass from Steve Cook was pounced upon, and although the Reds defender blocked the initial cross from Sheraldo Becker, the ball fell kindly for it to be put back into the box. Jordan Siebatcheu was on hand to slot home from close range in the 36th minute.
There was almost an immediate reaction from the Reds. A lung-busting run by Brennan Johnson down the left picked out Taiwo Awoniyi, whose strike was driven wide to leave Steve Cooper’s side trailing at the interval.
The second half saw few chances at either end of the pitch. Good defending by substitute Moussa Niakhate put off Siebatcheu when he went to finish from close range, while Cafu tried his luck with a deflected free-kick for Forest.
Henderson had to make another good stop late on, and it finished 1-0 to the hosts. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players against Union Berlin.
Dean Henderson: Pulled off a brilliant save in the first half, and another important one in the closing minutes. Was generally alert to any danger and quick out of the traps to thwart it. Positioning was good.
Joe Worrall: Defence, overall, was pretty solid, despite coming under a fair bit of pressure. Getting it right when it comes to playing out from the back will be something for Cooper to work on.
Steve Cook: Sloppy pass was caught out for Siebatcheu’s goal - although the back line in general were not at their best when it came to using the ball. Tried to make up for it by blocking the cross, and a little unfortunate it fell nicely for Becker to put back in.
Scott McKenna: A good test for the visitors against a team who were sharp and physical. Coped pretty well, in true McKenna style.
Neco Williams: Has the potential to make a big impact this coming season. Once again showed he can put some cracking deliveries into the box.
Lewis O’Brien: Slotted in seamlessly on his first appearance since putting pen to paper. Covered plenty of ground and worked tirelessly. Has the makings of being a fine addition.
Jack Colback: Made a superb tackle early on to thwart a Union Berlin attack. Midfield had their work cut out trying to get hold of the ball.
Harry Toffolo: Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a well-struck effort which bounced off the woodwork. More valuable minutes under his belt.
Brennan Johnson: Wasn’t easy to get into the game, playing in the no.10 position again, just as he did on Tuesday night. Excellent run down the right just before half-time was one of Forest’s best bits of play.
Taiwo Awoniyi: Received a hero’s welcome back at his old club, getting a terrific reception at his former stomping ground. Looks like he could do with a goal to get him up and running for the Reds. Finding a way to get the best out of him will be key.
Alex Mighten: Deserved his chance for extra game time, having impressed from off the bench in the previous four friendlies. Didn’t see as much of the ball on this occasion, however, on what was a testing afternoon.
Subs
Moussa Niakhate (46mins): Looks a classy addition based on his appearances so far. Terrific bit of defending early on in the second half.
Lyle Taylor (59mins): Looked lively when he came on. Added a bit of energy to a scrappy contest.
Cafu (62mins): Brought a bit of bite to the midfield, and tried his luck with a free-kick.
Oli Hammond (70mins): Has caught the eye in pre-season, being rewarded with more minutes in Germany.
Loic Mbe Soh (75mins): Made a strong block in the closing minutes as the hosts pressed for another goal.
Giulian Biancone (75mins): More minutes under his belt, having done well in the previous games.
Richie Laryea (75mins): Didn’t get too many opportunities to run at the opposition defence on this occasion.
Dale Taylor (75mins): Tough to make much of an impact, but will have been another great experience for the youngster.
Subs not used: Smith, Shelvey, Donnelly, Ojeda.
Which Forest players stood out for you against Union Berlin? Have your say in the comments below
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