A second-string Nottingham Forest outfit drew 2-2 with Notts County on Tuesday night. Sam Surridge and Cafu scored for the Reds and here are our player ratings:
Jordan Smith – 5
Awful error for the second Notts County goal which frankly highlighted exactly why he’s a third-choice goalkeeper. He did make two good saves on the night.
Giulian Biancone – 6
Looked okay but the Frenchman will probably need a settling-in period to life in England. Does look accustomed to playing in a number of positions which will prove useful.
Loic Mbe Soh – 8
Looks to have worked really hard on his game in pre-season. On this performance, he might find himself playing a squad player role during 2022/23.
Aaron Donnelly – 7
Looks assured and highlighted that he wasn’t fazed by anything an energetic Notts County side threw at him.
Alex Mighten – 7
Grew into the game and got onto the ball a bit more in the second half. His pace proved a constant threat but Steve Cooper must still be wondering what to do with the player next season.
Cafu – 8
Scored a tremendous free kick from distance and set up the first goal. Did quite well and always maintains a calm persona whenever he’s called upon.
Ryan Yates – 6
Clearly lacking match practice and gave some needless free-kicks away. He did, however, complete some decent passes.
Richie Laryea – 7
Gets forward really well but is another example of a player who is struggling amid a lack of regular game time. Will probably head out on loan.
Braian Ojeda – 4
Does some good things but also gives the ball away a lot. Simply needs to believe in himself a bit more when in possession.
Sam Surridge – 7
Give this boy an inch in front of goal and he will emphatically finish. His goal just prior to half-time was typical of the Forest youngster as he opened his body and finished brilliantly.
Lyle Taylor – 4
Lots of running without ever really getting a chance to score. Will surely be heading out on loan during this transfer window.
Substitutes
Zach Abbott – 6
Might have done better with the Notts first goal but as a youngster stepping up he looked pretty useful.
Oliver Hammond – 7
Has a bit of Ben Osborn about him. Works tirelessly in the midfield engine room and isn’t afraid to spray the ball around the park.
Billy Fewster – 7
Looks very capable on the ball and perhaps just needs to show a little bit more when out of possession. Certainly looks like one for the future though.
Dale Taylor – 6
Looks built for senior football already but will probably have to remain patient next season and focus on playing under-23 football.
Ateef Konate – 6
Another player who looks capable enough and has a bright future ahead of him.
Justin Hanks – N/A
Introduced very late in the piece.