Nottingham Forest u23s are enjoying a bright start to the new season. The Young Reds are currently top of the Professional Development League with 21 points from 10 games and haven’t lost since August. Jimmy Gilligan’s side have won four and drawn three of their last seven league games, conceding only five goals.
The u23s opened up the 2019/20 campaign with a 3-1 win at Bristol City (August 14), courtesy of goals from Brennan Johnson (50’, 62’) and Tyrese Fornah (89’). They beat Queens Park Rangers (August 20) 3-1 with goals from Johnson (26’, 73’) and Alex Mighten (69’)
Forest’s first defeat came in the form of a 2-0 loss against Millwall (August 26), but they returned to winning ways with a 4-1 beating of Cardiff City (August 30), courtesy of goals from Johnson (8’), Louis Walsh (33’), Will Swan (73’) and Yassine En-Neyah (90’).
Gilligan’s men then followed it up with a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town (September 9) with goals coming from En-Neyah (4’), Swan (35’) and Zach Clough (67’). They drew 1-1 with Burnley (September 23) with Danny Preston levelling the game.
Forest returned to winning ways with a 5-1 thrashing of Barnsley (September 27). Swan (9’, 68’), a trialist (26’), Victor Sodiende (83’) and Mighten (85’) all scored. This month, their form has slowed down with a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United (October 14) with a trialist scoring in the second-half.
The Young Reds beat Wigan Athletic (October 21) 1-0 thanks to Kieran Hayes and drew 0-0 with Crewe Alexandra (October 28). They next face Leeds United on November 4.
