Nottingham Forest Under-23s were held to a 2-2 draw by Northern Premier League outfit Basford United in an entertaining pre-season friendly.
Chris Cohen’s team twice took the lead at Greenwich Avenue thanks to a clinical brace by striker Virgil Gomis.
Goals from Niall Towle and Rev James earned a share of the spoils for Basford who are managed by former Forest favourite Steve Chettle.
(Photo; Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
One interesting aspect of the game from a Reds perspective was perhaps some of the personnel on show.
With a sell-out crowd made up largely of Forest supporters, it was always going to be intriguing to see which young guns turned out.
Familiar faces
Goalscoring hero Gomis has spent time on loan with Macclesfield Town and Notts County and another loan move perhaps isn’t out of the question.
Jayden Richardson was another player who got the chance to get some minutes under his belt.
The 20-year-old helped Exeter to the League Two play-off final last season, playing 29 times for the Grecians.
Many supporters have called for him to be considered as a contender to replace Matty Cash at right-back in Sabri Lamouchi’s team – that, however, now seems unlikely.
Another interesting starter last night was Jake Taylor. He spent time on loan with Port Vale last season and impressed boss John Askey.
Having featured for the Reds during pre-season, some anticipated the 22-year-old might earn a first-team shot at the City Ground.
He showed some neat touches during the game at Basford but will now surely head out on loan once again.
Tyrese Fornah was a late substitute for the first-team in a defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup last season and he too was in Cohen’s team last night.
(Photo; Chris Vaughan; CameraSport via Getty Images)
The 20-year-old spent time on loan at Casa Pia last season and another loan might be ideal for him.
Dale Taylor arrived from Linfield in the summer and the 16-year-old was on the bench for the Reds against the local non-league outfit.
It remains to be seen whether the Northern Irishman will play for Cohen’s team or Gareth Holmes’ under-18s during 2020/21.
Anyone missing?
Although it was an under-23 fixture, some supporters did anticipate a couple of first-team faces.
Michael Hefele doesn’t seem to have a future at the City Ground, whilst Zach Clough is another who could leave this summer.
Both did play for the under-23s during last season at various points but neither were involved here.
Both have slipped out of the picture at the City Ground and if clubs are forthcoming, they will both surely leave before the window closes.