REPORT: Sky Blues 3-1 Nottingham Forest – News

The Sky Blues recorded a second win in pre-season after overcoming Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the Pinatar Arena.

First shot of the game fell for Forest, but it was a comfortable one for Ben Wilson, who was able to hold onto Lyle Taylor’s shot from the edge of the area.

The Sky Blues first attempt came from a cheeky effort when Gustavo Hamer spotted Dean Henderson off his line and looked to beat the ‘keeper from distance, but the Forest ‘keeper was able to get back into position to gather the ball.

Joe Lolley had the games next opportunity, but his effort was never troubling Wilson and it sailed over the bar and behind for a goal-kick.

The Sky Blues were enjoying the majority of possession as they seemed to create openings before a drinks break on the half-hour mark.

Following the break, Forest created a chance down the left and the ball was delivered into the box and was glanced wide by Lyle Taylor.

Forest would break the deadlock moment later and it came through right-wing back Nicholas Ioannou who curled the ball past Wilson just inside of his area.

However, City were able to draw level just five minutes later and it was a ball played through which Matty Godden latched onto and expertly beat Dean Henderson to make 1-1 heading into half-time.

HALF-TIME: Sky Blues 1-1 Nottingham Forest

City introduced Viktor Gyokeres at half-time and he made an instant impact, beat his man and charging at the Nottingham Forest defence, before seeing his shot blocked.

Mark Robins also welcome back Tyler Walker and he helped to fire the Sky Blues in front 15 minutes into the second half.

A Jamie Allen ball over the top released Fabio Tavares and he picked out Viktor Gyokeres, who teed up the on running Walker and he fired home to make it 2-1.

At the other end, Simon Moore was called into action after coming on at half-time, as he got down well to his left to deny Alex Mighten’s powerful strike.

Forest had their best chance of the second half when Braian Ojeda worked his way into the box and picked out Mighten at the back post, but his effort went wide.

Moore was involved again a few minutes later as he had to be alerted to deny Nuno Da Costa from the edge of the area.

Forest would be left to rue their missed chance as at the other end, Tyler Walker scored his second of the game with an outstanding finish from the edge of the area to make it 3-1.

City looked for a fourth and they had a chance through Ryan Howley, when he rose highest from a corner, but he couldn’t steer his header towards goal.

And they would have had that fourth if it wasn’t for the woodwork as Fabio Tavares was denied from inside the area, in what would prove to be the last piece of action from the half.

FULL-TIME: Sky Blues 3-1 Nottingham Forest

First Half:

Sky Blues XL: Ben Wilson, Todd Kane, Michael Rose, Dom Hyam, Kyle McFadzean, Jake Bidwell, Liam Kelly (C), Gustavo Hamer, Kasey Palmer, Callum O’Hare, Matty Godden.

Subs: Cian Tyler, Tom Billson, Jack Burroughs, Josh Reid, Ryan Howley, Ricardo Dinanga, Marco Rus.

Second Half:

Sky Blues XL: Simon Moore, Fankaty Dabo, Ryan Howley, Dom Hyam (67′ Reid), Jake Bidwell (67′ Burroughs), Jamie Allen, Ben Sheaf, Fabio Tavares, Martyn Waghorn, Viktor Gyokeres, Tyler Walker.

Subs: Cian Tyler, Tom Billson, Jack Burroughs, Josh Reid, Ricardo Dinanga, Marco Rus.