Nottingham Forest made it three wins from three in pre-season as they toppled Northampton Town 2-0.
Goals from Lyle Taylor and Cafu after the break clinched victory for Chris Hughton’s side as they continued their build-up to the new campaign.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Sixfields Stadium.
Jordan Smith: Just as on Saturday, made some strong saves to keep the opposition at bay, including a fabulous fingertip one to deny Michael Harriman. Only blot on the copybook was a fumble late on, which almost led to a goal. Otherwise, constantly talked to his defence and remained alert to any danger.
Jordan Gabriel: Played a delightful ball through for Taylor in the lead up to the opener. Always looked to offer an outlet down the right with some probing runs. Another good display.
Joe Worrall: Took to the pitch wearing some form of wrist support - but at least he was back out there, amid a summer of transfer interest. As vocal and commanding as ever.
Scott McKenna: Partnership with Worrall looked as solid as it did last season. Stood firm when the hosts had some bright moments in the opening 45 minutes.
Jayden Richardson: Pretty quick down the left flank, pushing forward when he could. A few defensive slips, but does look to have really benefitted from his loan spell.
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Ryan Yates: Looks to have worked on his passing in the last few months as picked out some wonderful balls and was generally tidy in possession. Seemed to be appreciated by those fans who made the trip.
Cafu: Good driven finish from range after being encouraged to shoot by the away crowd. Played in a deeper role than on Saturday - still not quite sure what his best position is!
Joe Lolley: First start for four months, after recovering from injury. Looked a bit rusty as he tried to find his range, but was involved in some nice build-up play for the opening goal.
Joao Carvalho: The manager seems keen to have a proper look at him, as the Portuguese was given a good run-out again. Similar to the weekend - some moments of quality in possession, showing his fancy footwork, but not always hitting the mark with the simple things.
Alex Mighten: Once again, offered the greatest attacking threat. Kept the hosts on their toes, almost scored a carbon copy of his goal from Saturday and was involved in the Reds’ second on the night.
Lewis Grabban: Didn’t have too much joy in front of goal as Forest struggled to find any real rhythm or a creative spark in the first half. Valuable minutes in the bank, though.
Subs
Lyle Taylor (for Grabban, 46): Found the back of the net with pretty much his first touch after coming on. A little bit of fortune about it, but a neat finish nonetheless.
Loic Mbe Soh (for McKenna, 46): Slotted in well in the back line and was comfortable on the ball. Wasn’t troubled too much by the hosts.
Nuno Da Costa (for Lolley, 63): Pretty lively as he constantly looked to run at the back line. Some nice touches, just not always the final ball.
Baba Fernandes (for Worrall, 63): Forest look to have a gem on their hands. Plays with great composure and confidence.
Ateef Konate (for Mighten, 63): Another young player with a bright future. Is clearly benefitting from being in and around the senior set-up.
Tyrese Fornah (for Yates, 75): Made his presence felt in a short space of time. Didn’t have long on the pitch but still caught the eye.
Fin Back (for Gabriel, 81): Has built up some good experience so far in pre-season, with more minutes under his belt as the visitors saw out victory.
Subs not used: Wright.
