Match Reports
| Academy Goalscorers 2008- 09 | |
| Hopkinson | 15 |
| Rodney | 9 |
| Thomson | 3 |
| Mullen | 3 |
| Wright | 2 |
| Hook | 2 |
| Watson | 2 |
| Darnet | 1 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 - 5 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s ended their season in the FA Premier Academy League with a five-goal demolition of Wolves.
The Reds ran out 5-2 winners in the Black Country to secure their second victory in three games.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It was a cracking way to end the season against a strong side.
"We weren't very happy with the manner in which we conceded the two Wolves goals but that shouldn't take anything away from what was an excellent performance by the lads."
Forest took the lead midway through the first half as they stole possession from Wolves in their half of the field and George Thomson provided a tidy finish.
Wolves scored twice in quick succession but The Reds hit back before the break, thanks to a towering header from Karlton Watson.
Thomson doubled his goal tally to restore Forest's lead and after Nialle Rodney had made it 4-2, substitute Tom Mullen wrapped up the victory with a super strike from the edge of the area - virtually his first touch of the game.
Forest: Mitides, Fairclough, Diagne, Elliot, McCashin, Watson, Wright, Darnet, Rodney(Mullen 80min) Hopkinson(Bengelloun 89min), Thomson(Sykes 65min)
Subs not used: Biansumba, Gibbons
Scorers: Thomson 20mins, 46min, Watson 38min, Rodney 65min, Mullen 81min
Nottingham Forest 2 - 3 Manchester City
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s again showed their battling qualities as they slipped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Premier Academy League.
City are run-away leaders of their particular section of the Academy League and were 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes at Wilford Lane.
But Forest, who had beaten Everton a week earlier, hauled themselves level before half-time and had chances to go in front before City grabbed what proved to be the winner.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "City are a very good side. They haven't lost a game this season and are walking away with the league.
"Going two-down so early on was a blow but we recovered fantastically well and Tim Hopkinson scored two good goals.
"City were better in possession than us in the second half but we created more chances to win the game.
"Unfortunately, we conceded what proved to be the winning goal from a set-piece, which is really disappointing.
"But we've played two good teams in Everton and City on successive weekends and we could have won them both.
"The lads have worked their socks off and had a real go and I can't fault them."
Team: O'Brien, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Sibson, Sykes (Thomson 60), Wright, Elliott, Darnet, Hopkinson, Mullen (Bengelloun 75). Subs not used: Watson, Mytides, Mishra.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson 2
Sheffield United 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Two deflected goals consigned Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side to defeat at Sheffield United.
There was an air of good fortune about both of United's first half goals, while all Forest had to show for their efforts was a late consolation from Karlton Watson.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "We battled hard in the first half and unfortunately conceded two scrappy goals.
"We were playing against a strong wind and up a slope and didn't really create too much before the break.
"But in the second half we were a lot better and created one or two good opportunities, although nothing really clear-cut.
"We passed the ball better but lacked a bit of composure in front of goal."
Forest finally found a way past the United 'keeper when Watson headed home from a corner 60 seconds from time.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Watson, Diagne, Sibson, Wright, McCashin, Elliott, Sykes (Thomson 71), Rodney, Mullen (Biansumba 80).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Watson
Nottingham Forest 1 - 2 Stoke City
Nottingham Forest were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City in their latest FA Premier Academy game at Wilford Lane.
Stoke took the lead five minutes before the break soon after Forest had lost midfielder Max Wright with a hamstring injury.
But Forest improved after the break and substitute Tom Mullen equalised from the penalty spot after Tim Hopkinson had been brought down in the 53rd minute.
Forest were much improved in the second half but paid the price for some poor marking from a corner when Stoke snatched their 70th minute winner.
Said coach Chris Fairclough: "We had three or four good chances late on to get a draw but to be fair to the Stoke keeper he made some fine saves.
"We were a little bit sluggish in the first half but once we had equalised the game could have gone either way."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Sibson, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Wright (Mishra) Bengelloun (Mullen), Hopkinson, Sykes (Watson).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Biansumba
Goalscorer: Mullen
Derby County 2 - 4 Nottingham Forest
Tim Hopkinson delivered a four-goal blitz as Nottingham Forest swept to a 4-2 away win over East Midlands rivals Derby County in the FA Premier Academy League.
Derby took an early lead but Hopkinson scored after 25 and 48 minutes to turn the game in Forest's favour.
The Rams got an equaliser but Hopkinson scored twice in the last ten minutes to make sure of the victory.
Said Academy Director Nick Marshall: "Tim is a natural goalscorer and we always know that if he gets the right kind of service he will finish things off.
"He's not scored for a while but he's worked hard to make things happen for himself and he got his reward against Derby."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne, McCashin, Sibson, Thomson, Elliott, Wright, Sykes, Hopkinson, Mullen (Watson). Subs not used: Mishra, O'Brien, Bengelloun, Gibbons.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson,4
Nottingham Forest 0 - 2 Sunderland
Mickael Darnet was sent off as Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side were beaten by table-topping Sunderland in the FA Premier Academy League.
The Frenchman was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time as Forest were beaten 2-0 at Wilford Lane.
The game was goalless when Darnet received his marching orders and The Reds had looked to be the likeliest to open the scoring.
His dismissal, however, changed the course of the game and the visitors secured victory thanks to a spectacular over-head kick and an unfortunate own goal by Jordan Fairclough.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "Mickael had been warned a couple of times by the referee for silly tackles but hadn't been booked.
"For me the offence he got sent off for warranted a booking but he cannot say he hadn't been warned.
"It's a shame because until that point we had looked the better side.
"I thought we did well even with 10 men. We worked extremely hard and created chances and I think we deserved a little bit more from the game if I'm honest."
Team: Darlow, Freeman, Diagne, McCashin, Fairclough, Reid (Mullen 76), Darnet, Elliott, Wright (Thomson 80), Rodney (Mishra 78), Hopkinson. Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Sheffield Wednesday 0 v 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s bounced back from their five-goal weekend defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough by beating Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Premier Academy League.
The young Reds returned to winning ways, thanks to a Mickael Darnet strike two minutes from time.
The Frenchman scored the only goal of the game in stunning style, hammering a shot from fully 25 yards out into the top corner of the Wednesday net.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We controlled the game from almost start to finish - to such an extent that our goalkeeper Karl Darlow had very little to do.
"We would have liked to have created more chances in front of goal and it looked as though it might be one of those games where a breakthrough might not come along.
"But Mickael's goal was worthy of winning any game."
Team: Darlow, Tait, Diagne, McCashin, Fairclough, Mullen (Thomson 65), Elliott, Darnet, Wright (Hopkinson 80), Reid, Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson, Mishra.
Goalscorer: Darnet
Middlesbrough 5 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest could not repeat their FA Youth Cup success over Middlesbrough when the teams met in the FA Academy Premier League in the North East.
Middlesbrough ran out 5-0 winners and there were no complaints from Academy coach Chris Fairclough.
He said: "On the day we did not defend as a side and there is no doubt that the better team came out on top.
"We could have defended a lot better for the goals but I don't want to be too critical because these same players have done very well for us this season.
"The good thing from our point of view is that we have another league match against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (Tuesday) to try and rectify what went wrong against Middlesbrough."
Forest created openings themselves during the game and it might have been a different story had Nialle Rodney not been denied by the woodwork in the opening minutes of the game with the scoreline blank.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Tait, Thomson, Elliott, Wright, Sykes (Mullen), Rodney, Hopkinson.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Watson, Biansumba.
Nottingham Forest 0 - 2 Leeds United
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s missed a penalty as they were beaten 2-0 by Leeds United in the FA Premier Academy League.
Tim Hopkinson saw his first half spot-kick saved by the Yorkshire side's goalkeeper in the game at Forest's Wilford Lane Academy site.
Academy Director Nick Marshall: "We conceded two goals in the space of five minutes in the first half.
Firstly, Leeds got a penalty and then they scored from a corner, which was disappointing.
"But after that we played well and we felt we could have emerged from the game with at least a draw.
"Their 'keeper saving our penalty was a key factor just before half-time but we hit the crossbar in the second half and had two cleared off the line."
Forest: Karl Darlow, Jordan Fairclough, Kieron Freeman, Daniel Elliott, Sean McCashin, Tony Diagne, Adriano Moke, Max Wright, Nialle Rodney, Tim Hopkinson, Matt Sykes.
Subs: George Thompson, Kevin O'Brien, Tom Mullen, Karlton Watson, Tarik Bengelloun.
Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Middlesbrough
A superb Nialle Rodney goal earned Nottingham Forest's Under 18s a draw from a home date with Middlesbrough in the FA Premier Academy League.
Rodney hauled Forest level early in the second half after Boro had taken a first half lead at Wilford Lane.
The striker latched on to a long ball forward from the back and after finding himself one-on-one with the visiting 'keeper, he finished coolly by firing across him and into the bottom corner of the net.
Boro had gone ahead in the 27th minute with a goal from a well-worked set-piece that Forest should have defended better.
Forest coach Chris Fairclough said: "We started fairly brightly and at a good tempo and I was pleased with the first half performance.
"It was a more even contest in the second half, although we struck the bar, had one cleared off the line and created two or three opportunities to score."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin (Watson 75), Diagne, Freeman, Thomson, Wright, Ellliott, Sykes (Mullen 82), Rodney, Hopkinson. Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Rodney
Nottingham Forest 1 - 0 Huddersfield
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side bounced back from their FA Youth Cup exit at the hands of Bolton by beating Huddersfield in the FA Premier Academy League.
A Nialle Rodney goal secured a 1-0 victory for The Reds at their Wilford Lane Academy site.
Rodney struck five minutes before half-time and Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It was a nice way for the lads to overcome the disappointment of going out of the cup.
"We were below par in the first half but improved after the break.
"Having played a few days earlier we had a few tired legs but the lads dug deep, defended well and deserved their victory against a Huddersfield side who played well."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Mishra, Rodney, Hopkinson, Sykes (Bengelloun).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson, Mullen, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Rodney
Barnsley 0 - 3 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side warmed up for their FA Youth Cup fifth round clash with Bolton on Wednesday - by bagging their first away win of the season in the FA Premier Academy League.
Nialle Rodney scored twice as The Reds beat Barnsley 3-0, with Tim Hopkinson also getting himself on the scoresheet.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It has set us up nicely for Wednesday's game, although we weren't at our best in the first half.
"We improved significantly after the break and in the end it was a comfortable enough victory for us."
Hopkinson gave Forest the lead after 22 minutes, bundling home a loose ball after Rodney's initial shot had been blocked.
Rodney doubled the advantage in the 61st minute, racing on a great ball forward by Sean McCashin and after out-muscling his marker, he rounded the 'keeper to score.
He sealed the points seven minutes later with the best goal of the game, hooking a shot over his shoulder and into the top corner of the net.
The game also marked the return to action of Tarik Bengelloun, who had been sidelined since the start of the season after breaking a leg. He had a brief run-out as a substitute.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne (Bengelloun 85), McCashin, Freeman, Wright (Mishra 70), Elliott, Sykes, Thomson, Hopkinson (Mullen 75), Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Goalscorers: Rodney 2, Hopkinson
Newcastle United 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side finally broke their duck away from home in the FA Premier Academy League yesterday - as they claimed their first point on the road this season.
The Reds, who had been beaten in their previous six away games this term, held table-topping Newcastle to a 1-1 draw.
James Marwood, the son of former Arsenal man Brian Marwood, gave Newcastle the lead early in the second half.
But Forest hit back in the 59th minute through striker Nialle Rodney, who fired home from close range after good work down the left by Tom Mullen.
And they came close to snatching victory in the closing minutes when Rodney fired against the base of a post.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We're pleased to have at long last got some reward from an away game but it was a game we felt we deserved to win.
"We had more chances than them, three or four one-on-ones and hit the post. Yes, they hit the crossbar but we were disappointed to only get a point."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Wright, Rodney, Mullen, Sykes.
Subs not used: Moke, O'Brien, Mishra, Sibson, Watson
Goalscorer: Rodney
Nottingham Forest 2 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday
Goals from Tim Hopkinson and George Thomson earned Nottingham Forest Under 18s their second FA win in three FA Premier Academy League games.
Hopkinson and Thomson scored on either side of half-time to secure a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Wilford Lane.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "It was what I would call an even stevens kind of a game. There were chances at either end but we came out on top."
Hopkinson fired Forest in front after 25 minutes with a goal he created himself. He picked the ball up on the left edge of the Wednesday box and after lofting the ball over a defender before unleashing a shot which took a deflection.
The Reds started the second half brightly and snatched their second goal in the 63rd minute. Mickael Darnet played his part with a good crossfield ball to pick out Thomson, who showed great control before dispatching a left-footed shot.
Fairclough added: "The only disappointment was the fact that we relaxed a little bit too much after going 2-0 up and became a little bit disorganised, which allowed Wednesday back into the game."
Forest: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Darnet, Rodney(Mullen 70min), Hopkinson, Sykes
Subs not used:O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons, Sibson
Scorers: Hopkinson 26min, Thomson 63min
Huddersfield Town 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s slipped to a controversial FA Premier Academy League defeat at Huddersfield.
The Reds relinquished a one-goal lead as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat in West Yorkshire.
But the manner in which Huddersfield grabbed what proved to be the winner left a sour taste in the mouths of Forest's players and coaching staff.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We've watched the video and our goalkeeper Karl Darlow was clearly fouled as he caught the ball from a corner.
"That caused him to drop the ball and gifted Huddersfield the chance to score the winner.
"A draw would have been a fairer result and it's disappointing that the game was settled in Huddersfield's favour in that manner.
"For 65 minutes they hardly tested our goalkeeper but unfortunately a defensive mistake gave them the chance to equalise and then they went on to get a second goal."
Forest took the lead after 15 minutes when Tim Hopkinson provided a cool finish after a swift counter-attack.
They had other chances to add to their lead but crucially were unable to find a way past the Huddersfield goalkeeper for a second time.
Team: Darlow, Freeman, McCashin, Diagne, Fairclough, Moke (Mullen 80), Sykes, Hook, Wright, Rodney, Hopkinson.
Subs not used: Sibson, O'Brien, Thomson, Elliott
Goalscorer: Hopkinson
Nottingham Forest 4 - 1 Barnsley
Liam Hook and Tim Hopkinson scored two goals apiece as Nottingham Forest romped to victory over Barnsley in the FA Premier Academy League.
The Reds ran out 4-1 winners at Wilford Lane - their third win of the Academy campaign.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "I was pleased with the quality of our performance. We started the game really brightly and were rewarded with early goals."
Forest established a firm grip on the game by establishing a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Hook set them on their way after just 16 minutes when he fired home from the edge of the area from a Nialle Rodney cross from the left.
He doubled his tally five minutes later in similar circumstances - Rodney again did well down the left and when he sent over a cross, Hopkinson headed the ball down for Hook to score from six yards out. Hopkinson got in on the goal-scoring act soon afterwards.
Rodney raced on to a long ball forward by Kieron Freeman and when hit shot was blocked on the line, Hopkinson pounced to score.
Barnsley pulled one back early in the second half but Forest set the seal on a convincing victory late-on when Hopkinson powered home a diving header from a Tom Mullen cross.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Freeman, Moke, Wright, Hook, Sykes, Rodney (Mullen 78), Hopkinson.
Subs not used: Thomson, O'Brien, Sibson, Elliott.
Goalscorers: Hook 2, Hopkinson 2
Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Newcastle United
A goal from Newcastle substitute Michael McCrudden sent Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side tumbling to defeat in the FA Premier Academy League.
McCrudden snatched the only goal of the game 19 minutes from time at Wilford Lane, firing a low shot past goalkeeper Karl Darlow into the bottom left hand corner.
The scoreline was harsh on The Reds, who forced Darlow's opposite number Jak Alnwick to make a string of outstanding saves throughout the game.
Said Academy coach Chris Fairclough: "It was disappointing to lose the game but I was nevertheless quite happy with the football we played.
"Considering the number of chances we created we ought to have got something from the game but their goalkeeper was equal to everything we had to offer on the day.
"He had one of those matches when everything stuck with him but the good thing from our point of view was that we made him work."
Nialle Rodney was denied twice by the Newcastle No.1. Alnwick produced arguably his best save of the game after just three minutes after finding himself one-on-one with the Forest man
Forest: Darlow, Fairclough, Tait, Wright, McCachin, Diagne, Moke, Darnet, Rodney, Hopkinson, Sykes, (Thomson 45min)
Subs not used O'Brien, Mishea, Mullen, Sibson
Nottingham Forest 4 - 1 Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 Academy side registered their second success of the season with a 4-1 home victory over Sheffield United.
They romped into a four goal lead inside the first 20 minutes and although United came back with a goal before half-time it proved to be no more than consolation.
Forest took the lead in the third minute when Max Wright's in-swinging corner caught out the United keeper and Tim Hopkinson added two more and Nialle Rodney one in between as The Reds' youngsters had their best spell of the season.
Said coach Chris Fairclough: "We were a lot tidier all over the field and Tim Hopkinson and Nialle Rodney were a handful up front.
"United showed a lot of character to come back at us in the second half but I was pleased with the way we defended in front of Karl Darlow and kept a clean sheet after half-time."
Another encouraging feature of the game for Forest was the return of Riteesh Mishra as an 80th minute substitute following 12 months out of action with a double fracture of the leg.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Tait (Freeman 51), Moke, Wright, Darnet, Sykes, Rodney, Hopkinson (Mishra 80).
Subs not used: Mullen, Mytides, Thomson.
Goalscorers: Wright, Hopkinson 2, Rodney
Nottingham Forest 1 - 2 Derby County
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s were beaten by their arch rivals Derby County after conceding a late penalty.
Coach Chris Fairclough had no complaints about the award of the spot-kick, which Derby duly converted to seal a 2-1 win.
Instead, he was more disappointed with his side's display. "We produced what I would call a below-par performance," he told us.
"We started quite brightly and took the lead early on but we didn't defend particularly well as a team and Derby punished us."
There were few signs of the problems that lay ahead as Forest took a fifth minute lead through Tom Mullen, who side footed home Ryan Whitehurst's cross from six yards out.
Whitehurst was forced out of the game through injury midway through the first half, which disrupted Forest's progress.
Fairclough added: "I've no problems with the referee's decision to award Derby a penalty. It looked like a penalty at the time and having watched it again on DVD I'm still of that opinion."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Wright, Mitchell, Diagne, Moke, Elliott, Mullen, Whitehurst (Rodney 25), Thomson (Sykes 76). Subs not used: Mytides, Watson, Mishra.
Goalscorer: Mullen
Sunderland 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Two first half goals consigned Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side to FA Premier Academy League defeat at Sunderland.
Goals from Adam Reed and Matthew Fletcher sealed Forest's fifth defeat of the season at Academy level.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We made a sluggish start to the game but just as we were showing signs of hitting our stride, we conceded two dreadful goals.
"That's really disappointing because on the whole we played well and were certainly the better side in the second half."
Team: Darlow, Fariclough, Freeman, Tait, McCashin, Diagne, Wright, Darnet, Rodney (Mullen 45), Whitehurst, Thomson (Sykes 66). Subs not used: Hopkinson, Mytides, Elliott.
Leeds United 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Forest's Under 18 side slipped to their fourth defeat of the FA Premier Academy League season - despite producing arguably their best display of the campaign.
The Reds were guilty of gifting Leeds both their goals in the first half and were unable to find a way back into the contest after that.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We gave them their goals but other than that we played really, really well.
"It was probably our best 90 minute display of the season but the fact of the matter is we conceded two poor goals."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne, McCashin, Freeman, Thomson (Sykes 80), Hook, Wright, Moke, Rodney (Mullen 70), Hopkinson. Subs not used: Elliott, O'Brien, Watson.
Nottingham Forest 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 Academy side ended their search for a first win of the season with a deserved 2-1 success against Blackburn Rovers at Wilford Lane.
It was all the more creditable because the visitors had been unbeaten in their opening four games of the campaign.
Forest took the lead in the 15th minute when George Thomson's cross from the left was met by a diving header from Tim Hopkinson that sent the ball into the top corner of the net.
Five minutes later Nialle Rodney dispossessed a Blackburn defender and fired a 20-yard effort home to put Forest in control.
Improving Blackburn pulled a goal back 20 minutes into the second half and although Forest continued to pose a threat, there was no further score.
Said Forest's Academy Director Nick Marshall: "We were the better side in the first half and although Blackburn had more of the game after the break, we still managed to create chances without being able to add to the score.
"But it was a pleasing performance and comfortably the best of the season to date. We've now set a standard that we have to maintain."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Diagne, McCashin, Thomson, Hook, Wright, Moke, Hopkinson (Mullen 85), Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Sykes, Watson, Elliott
Goalscorers: Hopkinson, Rodney
Bolton Wanderers 4 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under-18 Academy side are still looking for their first win of the season following a 4-0 defeat at Bolton.
For the first half hour Forest matched their Premiership opponents but then Bolton made the breakthrough and added three more goals in the second half.
Probably our best move resulted in Kieron Freeman pulling a ball right across the face of the Bolton goal without anyone being able to get a vital touch.
But we conceded a very poor goal in the 33rd minute after giving away possession and it was always going to be tough after that.
Said Forest Academy coach Chris Fairclough: "We started the game looking bright and tidy. But in addition to conceding the first goal we lost Sean McCashin through injury soon afterwards and that was a big blow.
"On too many occasions we were guilty of giving away possession in dangerous areas and were made to pay for it.
"We know there is a lot of improvement to be made and we will work hard to bring that about."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, McCachin(Elliott 39min) Mitchell, Diagne, Moke, Wright, Rodney(Mullen 65min), Hopkinson, Staples(Thomson 55min)
Subs not used: Mytides, Watson
Liverpool 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under-18 side produced another battling performance before going down 2-0 to Liverpool in their latest FA Premier Academy League game on Merseyside.
Forest thought they had taken the lead after 20 minutes only to see Tim Hopkinson's effort ruled off following an innocuous handball decision.
Liverpool went on to take a 35th minute lead but had to wait until the 89th minute for the second goal that ended Forest's hopes.
Forest Academy coach Chris Fairclough admitted: "Liverpool were the better side on the day and there is no doubt they are very strong at this level.
"But we produced a committed performance and had the early effort been allowed to stand, the game could easily have followed a different course.
"At the end of the day we were disappointed because both goals were avoidable. We didn't mark too well for the first and could have closed down a situation that led to the second."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Mitchell, Diagne, Sykes, Wright, McCashin, Elliott (Mullen), Staples (Thomson), Rodney, Hopkinson. Subs not used: Moke, Freeman, O'Brien.
Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Nottingham Forest bounced back from their opening day defeat at Norwich to hold Tottenham in the FA Premier Academy League over the weekend.
The Reds produced a gritty display against the North London club at Wilford Lane.
They took a first half lead through Max Wright and although Spurs hit back after the break, Academy Director Nick Marshall was satisfied with the team's display.
"We did okay," he told us. "Spurs were perhaps the better of the two sides once they had equalised but we defended really stoically and looked threatening on the counter-attack."
Wright gave Forest a 15th minute lead when he fired home from close range after a corner had been flicked on. Spurs levelled matters 10 minutes into the second half.
Team: Darlow, Sykes, Diagne, Mitchell, Fairclough, Staples (Thompson 70), Wright, McCashin, Elliott, Newbold, Rodney. Subs: Mitides, Hopkinson, Watson, Freeman.
Norwich City 5 - 2 Nottingham Forest
A disastrous eight-minute period cost us dearly when we kicked off our Academy League programme with a 5-2 defeat against Norwich in East Anglia.
We did pretty well for almost an hour of the game but that's when it all went horribly wrong.
We were 2-1 up less than half an hour to go but in an eight-minute spell we conceded four goals and with it went any chance of getting any reward from the game.
Without being at our best, we looked well on the way to getting a victory after coming from behind after Norwich had opened the scoring on the half hour.
We got back into straight away when Max Wright played Tim Hopkinson through and after he had gone in bravely with the keeper, the ball broke for Hopkinson, who reacted quickly to put the ball into the net.
Ten minutes into the second half we went ahead with an excellent goal by Nialle Rodney. Matt Sykes long ball found Hopkinson and he got clear to the by line before cutting back for Rodney to score at the far post.
But then we had the spell that cost us the game and left us with a warning that if we don't defend better we will not get the results we are seeking.
Norwich equalised after Karl Darlow had punched clear and when the ball came back into the box it was scrambled home.
We then conceded a third goal from an excellent strike after a Norwich player had cut in and fired a terrific shot into the top corner.
And it quickly went from bad to worse when Norwich got similar goals from crosses that we didn't defend too well.
There was no denying that Norwich played very well in that period but the fact is that we allowed them to and it was a harsh lesson for us to learn very early in the campaign.
I think we will always be capable of scoring goals - as we showed - but we must tighten up at the back if we are to get some victories behind us.
Although he conceded five goals, I've got to give a mention to our goalkeeper Darlow, who produced two stunning saves early in the match to keep us in with a chance of winning the game.
In the end his efforts counted for nothing but it's important that we take the positives that were on offer on the day and make sure we tighten up as a defensive unit in the coming weeks.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Sykes, Elliott (Freeman), Diagne, McCashin, Wright, Thompson (Staples), Rodney, Hopkinson, Moke (Mullen). Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson, Rodney
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s ended their season in the FA Premier Academy League with a five-goal demolition of Wolves.
The Reds ran out 5-2 winners in the Black Country to secure their second victory in three games.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It was a cracking way to end the season against a strong side.
"We weren't very happy with the manner in which we conceded the two Wolves goals but that shouldn't take anything away from what was an excellent performance by the lads."
Forest took the lead midway through the first half as they stole possession from Wolves in their half of the field and George Thomson provided a tidy finish.
Wolves scored twice in quick succession but The Reds hit back before the break, thanks to a towering header from Karlton Watson.
Thomson doubled his goal tally to restore Forest's lead and after Nialle Rodney had made it 4-2, substitute Tom Mullen wrapped up the victory with a super strike from the edge of the area - virtually his first touch of the game.
Forest: Mitides, Fairclough, Diagne, Elliot, McCashin, Watson, Wright, Darnet, Rodney(Mullen 80min) Hopkinson(Bengelloun 89min), Thomson(Sykes 65min)
Subs not used: Biansumba, Gibbons
Scorers: Thomson 20mins, 46min, Watson 38min, Rodney 65min, Mullen 81min
Nottingham Forest 2 - 3 Manchester City
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s again showed their battling qualities as they slipped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Premier Academy League.
City are run-away leaders of their particular section of the Academy League and were 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes at Wilford Lane.
But Forest, who had beaten Everton a week earlier, hauled themselves level before half-time and had chances to go in front before City grabbed what proved to be the winner.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "City are a very good side. They haven't lost a game this season and are walking away with the league.
"Going two-down so early on was a blow but we recovered fantastically well and Tim Hopkinson scored two good goals.
"City were better in possession than us in the second half but we created more chances to win the game.
"Unfortunately, we conceded what proved to be the winning goal from a set-piece, which is really disappointing.
"But we've played two good teams in Everton and City on successive weekends and we could have won them both.
"The lads have worked their socks off and had a real go and I can't fault them."
Team: O'Brien, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Sibson, Sykes (Thomson 60), Wright, Elliott, Darnet, Hopkinson, Mullen (Bengelloun 75). Subs not used: Watson, Mytides, Mishra.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson 2
Sheffield United 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Two deflected goals consigned Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side to defeat at Sheffield United.
There was an air of good fortune about both of United's first half goals, while all Forest had to show for their efforts was a late consolation from Karlton Watson.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "We battled hard in the first half and unfortunately conceded two scrappy goals.
"We were playing against a strong wind and up a slope and didn't really create too much before the break.
"But in the second half we were a lot better and created one or two good opportunities, although nothing really clear-cut.
"We passed the ball better but lacked a bit of composure in front of goal."
Forest finally found a way past the United 'keeper when Watson headed home from a corner 60 seconds from time.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Watson, Diagne, Sibson, Wright, McCashin, Elliott, Sykes (Thomson 71), Rodney, Mullen (Biansumba 80).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Watson
Nottingham Forest 1 - 2 Stoke City
Nottingham Forest were beaten 2-1 by Stoke City in their latest FA Premier Academy game at Wilford Lane.
Stoke took the lead five minutes before the break soon after Forest had lost midfielder Max Wright with a hamstring injury.
But Forest improved after the break and substitute Tom Mullen equalised from the penalty spot after Tim Hopkinson had been brought down in the 53rd minute.
Forest were much improved in the second half but paid the price for some poor marking from a corner when Stoke snatched their 70th minute winner.
Said coach Chris Fairclough: "We had three or four good chances late on to get a draw but to be fair to the Stoke keeper he made some fine saves.
"We were a little bit sluggish in the first half but once we had equalised the game could have gone either way."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Sibson, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Wright (Mishra) Bengelloun (Mullen), Hopkinson, Sykes (Watson).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Biansumba
Goalscorer: Mullen
Derby County 2 - 4 Nottingham Forest
Tim Hopkinson delivered a four-goal blitz as Nottingham Forest swept to a 4-2 away win over East Midlands rivals Derby County in the FA Premier Academy League.
Derby took an early lead but Hopkinson scored after 25 and 48 minutes to turn the game in Forest's favour.
The Rams got an equaliser but Hopkinson scored twice in the last ten minutes to make sure of the victory.
Said Academy Director Nick Marshall: "Tim is a natural goalscorer and we always know that if he gets the right kind of service he will finish things off.
"He's not scored for a while but he's worked hard to make things happen for himself and he got his reward against Derby."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne, McCashin, Sibson, Thomson, Elliott, Wright, Sykes, Hopkinson, Mullen (Watson). Subs not used: Mishra, O'Brien, Bengelloun, Gibbons.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson,4
Nottingham Forest 0 - 2 Sunderland
Mickael Darnet was sent off as Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side were beaten by table-topping Sunderland in the FA Premier Academy League.
The Frenchman was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time as Forest were beaten 2-0 at Wilford Lane.
The game was goalless when Darnet received his marching orders and The Reds had looked to be the likeliest to open the scoring.
His dismissal, however, changed the course of the game and the visitors secured victory thanks to a spectacular over-head kick and an unfortunate own goal by Jordan Fairclough.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "Mickael had been warned a couple of times by the referee for silly tackles but hadn't been booked.
"For me the offence he got sent off for warranted a booking but he cannot say he hadn't been warned.
"It's a shame because until that point we had looked the better side.
"I thought we did well even with 10 men. We worked extremely hard and created chances and I think we deserved a little bit more from the game if I'm honest."
Team: Darlow, Freeman, Diagne, McCashin, Fairclough, Reid (Mullen 76), Darnet, Elliott, Wright (Thomson 80), Rodney (Mishra 78), Hopkinson. Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Sheffield Wednesday 0 v 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s bounced back from their five-goal weekend defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough by beating Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Premier Academy League.
The young Reds returned to winning ways, thanks to a Mickael Darnet strike two minutes from time.
The Frenchman scored the only goal of the game in stunning style, hammering a shot from fully 25 yards out into the top corner of the Wednesday net.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We controlled the game from almost start to finish - to such an extent that our goalkeeper Karl Darlow had very little to do.
"We would have liked to have created more chances in front of goal and it looked as though it might be one of those games where a breakthrough might not come along.
"But Mickael's goal was worthy of winning any game."
Team: Darlow, Tait, Diagne, McCashin, Fairclough, Mullen (Thomson 65), Elliott, Darnet, Wright (Hopkinson 80), Reid, Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson, Mishra.
Goalscorer: Darnet
Middlesbrough 5 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest could not repeat their FA Youth Cup success over Middlesbrough when the teams met in the FA Academy Premier League in the North East.
Middlesbrough ran out 5-0 winners and there were no complaints from Academy coach Chris Fairclough.
He said: "On the day we did not defend as a side and there is no doubt that the better team came out on top.
"We could have defended a lot better for the goals but I don't want to be too critical because these same players have done very well for us this season.
"The good thing from our point of view is that we have another league match against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (Tuesday) to try and rectify what went wrong against Middlesbrough."
Forest created openings themselves during the game and it might have been a different story had Nialle Rodney not been denied by the woodwork in the opening minutes of the game with the scoreline blank.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Tait, Thomson, Elliott, Wright, Sykes (Mullen), Rodney, Hopkinson.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Watson, Biansumba.
Nottingham Forest 0 - 2 Leeds United
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s missed a penalty as they were beaten 2-0 by Leeds United in the FA Premier Academy League.
Tim Hopkinson saw his first half spot-kick saved by the Yorkshire side's goalkeeper in the game at Forest's Wilford Lane Academy site.
Academy Director Nick Marshall: "We conceded two goals in the space of five minutes in the first half.
Firstly, Leeds got a penalty and then they scored from a corner, which was disappointing.
"But after that we played well and we felt we could have emerged from the game with at least a draw.
"Their 'keeper saving our penalty was a key factor just before half-time but we hit the crossbar in the second half and had two cleared off the line."
Forest: Karl Darlow, Jordan Fairclough, Kieron Freeman, Daniel Elliott, Sean McCashin, Tony Diagne, Adriano Moke, Max Wright, Nialle Rodney, Tim Hopkinson, Matt Sykes.
Subs: George Thompson, Kevin O'Brien, Tom Mullen, Karlton Watson, Tarik Bengelloun.
Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Middlesbrough
A superb Nialle Rodney goal earned Nottingham Forest's Under 18s a draw from a home date with Middlesbrough in the FA Premier Academy League.
Rodney hauled Forest level early in the second half after Boro had taken a first half lead at Wilford Lane.
The striker latched on to a long ball forward from the back and after finding himself one-on-one with the visiting 'keeper, he finished coolly by firing across him and into the bottom corner of the net.
Boro had gone ahead in the 27th minute with a goal from a well-worked set-piece that Forest should have defended better.
Forest coach Chris Fairclough said: "We started fairly brightly and at a good tempo and I was pleased with the first half performance.
"It was a more even contest in the second half, although we struck the bar, had one cleared off the line and created two or three opportunities to score."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin (Watson 75), Diagne, Freeman, Thomson, Wright, Ellliott, Sykes (Mullen 82), Rodney, Hopkinson. Subs not used: O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Rodney
Nottingham Forest 1 - 0 Huddersfield
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side bounced back from their FA Youth Cup exit at the hands of Bolton by beating Huddersfield in the FA Premier Academy League.
A Nialle Rodney goal secured a 1-0 victory for The Reds at their Wilford Lane Academy site.
Rodney struck five minutes before half-time and Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It was a nice way for the lads to overcome the disappointment of going out of the cup.
"We were below par in the first half but improved after the break.
"Having played a few days earlier we had a few tired legs but the lads dug deep, defended well and deserved their victory against a Huddersfield side who played well."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Mishra, Rodney, Hopkinson, Sykes (Bengelloun).
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson, Mullen, Gibbons.
Goalscorer: Rodney
Barnsley 0 - 3 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side warmed up for their FA Youth Cup fifth round clash with Bolton on Wednesday - by bagging their first away win of the season in the FA Premier Academy League.
Nialle Rodney scored twice as The Reds beat Barnsley 3-0, with Tim Hopkinson also getting himself on the scoresheet.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "It has set us up nicely for Wednesday's game, although we weren't at our best in the first half.
"We improved significantly after the break and in the end it was a comfortable enough victory for us."
Hopkinson gave Forest the lead after 22 minutes, bundling home a loose ball after Rodney's initial shot had been blocked.
Rodney doubled the advantage in the 61st minute, racing on a great ball forward by Sean McCashin and after out-muscling his marker, he rounded the 'keeper to score.
He sealed the points seven minutes later with the best goal of the game, hooking a shot over his shoulder and into the top corner of the net.
The game also marked the return to action of Tarik Bengelloun, who had been sidelined since the start of the season after breaking a leg. He had a brief run-out as a substitute.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne (Bengelloun 85), McCashin, Freeman, Wright (Mishra 70), Elliott, Sykes, Thomson, Hopkinson (Mullen 75), Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Goalscorers: Rodney 2, Hopkinson
Newcastle United 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side finally broke their duck away from home in the FA Premier Academy League yesterday - as they claimed their first point on the road this season.
The Reds, who had been beaten in their previous six away games this term, held table-topping Newcastle to a 1-1 draw.
James Marwood, the son of former Arsenal man Brian Marwood, gave Newcastle the lead early in the second half.
But Forest hit back in the 59th minute through striker Nialle Rodney, who fired home from close range after good work down the left by Tom Mullen.
And they came close to snatching victory in the closing minutes when Rodney fired against the base of a post.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We're pleased to have at long last got some reward from an away game but it was a game we felt we deserved to win.
"We had more chances than them, three or four one-on-ones and hit the post. Yes, they hit the crossbar but we were disappointed to only get a point."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Wright, Rodney, Mullen, Sykes.
Subs not used: Moke, O'Brien, Mishra, Sibson, Watson
Goalscorer: Rodney
Nottingham Forest 2 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday
Goals from Tim Hopkinson and George Thomson earned Nottingham Forest Under 18s their second FA win in three FA Premier Academy League games.
Hopkinson and Thomson scored on either side of half-time to secure a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Wilford Lane.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "It was what I would call an even stevens kind of a game. There were chances at either end but we came out on top."
Hopkinson fired Forest in front after 25 minutes with a goal he created himself. He picked the ball up on the left edge of the Wednesday box and after lofting the ball over a defender before unleashing a shot which took a deflection.
The Reds started the second half brightly and snatched their second goal in the 63rd minute. Mickael Darnet played his part with a good crossfield ball to pick out Thomson, who showed great control before dispatching a left-footed shot.
Fairclough added: "The only disappointment was the fact that we relaxed a little bit too much after going 2-0 up and became a little bit disorganised, which allowed Wednesday back into the game."
Forest: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Elliott, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson, Darnet, Rodney(Mullen 70min), Hopkinson, Sykes
Subs not used:O'Brien, Mishra, Gibbons, Sibson
Scorers: Hopkinson 26min, Thomson 63min
Huddersfield Town 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s slipped to a controversial FA Premier Academy League defeat at Huddersfield.
The Reds relinquished a one-goal lead as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat in West Yorkshire.
But the manner in which Huddersfield grabbed what proved to be the winner left a sour taste in the mouths of Forest's players and coaching staff.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We've watched the video and our goalkeeper Karl Darlow was clearly fouled as he caught the ball from a corner.
"That caused him to drop the ball and gifted Huddersfield the chance to score the winner.
"A draw would have been a fairer result and it's disappointing that the game was settled in Huddersfield's favour in that manner.
"For 65 minutes they hardly tested our goalkeeper but unfortunately a defensive mistake gave them the chance to equalise and then they went on to get a second goal."
Forest took the lead after 15 minutes when Tim Hopkinson provided a cool finish after a swift counter-attack.
They had other chances to add to their lead but crucially were unable to find a way past the Huddersfield goalkeeper for a second time.
Team: Darlow, Freeman, McCashin, Diagne, Fairclough, Moke (Mullen 80), Sykes, Hook, Wright, Rodney, Hopkinson.
Subs not used: Sibson, O'Brien, Thomson, Elliott
Goalscorer: Hopkinson
Nottingham Forest 4 - 1 Barnsley
Liam Hook and Tim Hopkinson scored two goals apiece as Nottingham Forest romped to victory over Barnsley in the FA Premier Academy League.
The Reds ran out 4-1 winners at Wilford Lane - their third win of the Academy campaign.
Coach Chris Fairclough said: "I was pleased with the quality of our performance. We started the game really brightly and were rewarded with early goals."
Forest established a firm grip on the game by establishing a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Hook set them on their way after just 16 minutes when he fired home from the edge of the area from a Nialle Rodney cross from the left.
He doubled his tally five minutes later in similar circumstances - Rodney again did well down the left and when he sent over a cross, Hopkinson headed the ball down for Hook to score from six yards out. Hopkinson got in on the goal-scoring act soon afterwards.
Rodney raced on to a long ball forward by Kieron Freeman and when hit shot was blocked on the line, Hopkinson pounced to score.
Barnsley pulled one back early in the second half but Forest set the seal on a convincing victory late-on when Hopkinson powered home a diving header from a Tom Mullen cross.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Freeman, Moke, Wright, Hook, Sykes, Rodney (Mullen 78), Hopkinson.
Subs not used: Thomson, O'Brien, Sibson, Elliott.
Goalscorers: Hook 2, Hopkinson 2
Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Newcastle United
A goal from Newcastle substitute Michael McCrudden sent Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side tumbling to defeat in the FA Premier Academy League.
McCrudden snatched the only goal of the game 19 minutes from time at Wilford Lane, firing a low shot past goalkeeper Karl Darlow into the bottom left hand corner.
The scoreline was harsh on The Reds, who forced Darlow's opposite number Jak Alnwick to make a string of outstanding saves throughout the game.
Said Academy coach Chris Fairclough: "It was disappointing to lose the game but I was nevertheless quite happy with the football we played.
"Considering the number of chances we created we ought to have got something from the game but their goalkeeper was equal to everything we had to offer on the day.
"He had one of those matches when everything stuck with him but the good thing from our point of view was that we made him work."
Nialle Rodney was denied twice by the Newcastle No.1. Alnwick produced arguably his best save of the game after just three minutes after finding himself one-on-one with the Forest man
Forest: Darlow, Fairclough, Tait, Wright, McCachin, Diagne, Moke, Darnet, Rodney, Hopkinson, Sykes, (Thomson 45min)
Subs not used O'Brien, Mishea, Mullen, Sibson
Nottingham Forest 4 - 1 Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 Academy side registered their second success of the season with a 4-1 home victory over Sheffield United.
They romped into a four goal lead inside the first 20 minutes and although United came back with a goal before half-time it proved to be no more than consolation.
Forest took the lead in the third minute when Max Wright's in-swinging corner caught out the United keeper and Tim Hopkinson added two more and Nialle Rodney one in between as The Reds' youngsters had their best spell of the season.
Said coach Chris Fairclough: "We were a lot tidier all over the field and Tim Hopkinson and Nialle Rodney were a handful up front.
"United showed a lot of character to come back at us in the second half but I was pleased with the way we defended in front of Karl Darlow and kept a clean sheet after half-time."
Another encouraging feature of the game for Forest was the return of Riteesh Mishra as an 80th minute substitute following 12 months out of action with a double fracture of the leg.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, McCashin, Diagne, Tait (Freeman 51), Moke, Wright, Darnet, Sykes, Rodney, Hopkinson (Mishra 80).
Subs not used: Mullen, Mytides, Thomson.
Goalscorers: Wright, Hopkinson 2, Rodney
Nottingham Forest 1 - 2 Derby County
Nottingham Forest's Under 18s were beaten by their arch rivals Derby County after conceding a late penalty.
Coach Chris Fairclough had no complaints about the award of the spot-kick, which Derby duly converted to seal a 2-1 win.
Instead, he was more disappointed with his side's display. "We produced what I would call a below-par performance," he told us.
"We started quite brightly and took the lead early on but we didn't defend particularly well as a team and Derby punished us."
There were few signs of the problems that lay ahead as Forest took a fifth minute lead through Tom Mullen, who side footed home Ryan Whitehurst's cross from six yards out.
Whitehurst was forced out of the game through injury midway through the first half, which disrupted Forest's progress.
Fairclough added: "I've no problems with the referee's decision to award Derby a penalty. It looked like a penalty at the time and having watched it again on DVD I'm still of that opinion."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Wright, Mitchell, Diagne, Moke, Elliott, Mullen, Whitehurst (Rodney 25), Thomson (Sykes 76). Subs not used: Mytides, Watson, Mishra.
Goalscorer: Mullen
Sunderland 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Two first half goals consigned Nottingham Forest's Under 18 side to FA Premier Academy League defeat at Sunderland.
Goals from Adam Reed and Matthew Fletcher sealed Forest's fifth defeat of the season at Academy level.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We made a sluggish start to the game but just as we were showing signs of hitting our stride, we conceded two dreadful goals.
"That's really disappointing because on the whole we played well and were certainly the better side in the second half."
Team: Darlow, Fariclough, Freeman, Tait, McCashin, Diagne, Wright, Darnet, Rodney (Mullen 45), Whitehurst, Thomson (Sykes 66). Subs not used: Hopkinson, Mytides, Elliott.
Leeds United 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Forest's Under 18 side slipped to their fourth defeat of the FA Premier Academy League season - despite producing arguably their best display of the campaign.
The Reds were guilty of gifting Leeds both their goals in the first half and were unable to find a way back into the contest after that.
Academy Director Nick Marshall said: "We gave them their goals but other than that we played really, really well.
"It was probably our best 90 minute display of the season but the fact of the matter is we conceded two poor goals."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Diagne, McCashin, Freeman, Thomson (Sykes 80), Hook, Wright, Moke, Rodney (Mullen 70), Hopkinson. Subs not used: Elliott, O'Brien, Watson.
Nottingham Forest 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
Nottingham Forest's Under 18 Academy side ended their search for a first win of the season with a deserved 2-1 success against Blackburn Rovers at Wilford Lane.
It was all the more creditable because the visitors had been unbeaten in their opening four games of the campaign.
Forest took the lead in the 15th minute when George Thomson's cross from the left was met by a diving header from Tim Hopkinson that sent the ball into the top corner of the net.
Five minutes later Nialle Rodney dispossessed a Blackburn defender and fired a 20-yard effort home to put Forest in control.
Improving Blackburn pulled a goal back 20 minutes into the second half and although Forest continued to pose a threat, there was no further score.
Said Forest's Academy Director Nick Marshall: "We were the better side in the first half and although Blackburn had more of the game after the break, we still managed to create chances without being able to add to the score.
"But it was a pleasing performance and comfortably the best of the season to date. We've now set a standard that we have to maintain."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, Diagne, McCashin, Thomson, Hook, Wright, Moke, Hopkinson (Mullen 85), Rodney.
Subs not used: O'Brien, Sykes, Watson, Elliott
Goalscorers: Hopkinson, Rodney
Bolton Wanderers 4 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under-18 Academy side are still looking for their first win of the season following a 4-0 defeat at Bolton.
For the first half hour Forest matched their Premiership opponents but then Bolton made the breakthrough and added three more goals in the second half.
Probably our best move resulted in Kieron Freeman pulling a ball right across the face of the Bolton goal without anyone being able to get a vital touch.
But we conceded a very poor goal in the 33rd minute after giving away possession and it was always going to be tough after that.
Said Forest Academy coach Chris Fairclough: "We started the game looking bright and tidy. But in addition to conceding the first goal we lost Sean McCashin through injury soon afterwards and that was a big blow.
"On too many occasions we were guilty of giving away possession in dangerous areas and were made to pay for it.
"We know there is a lot of improvement to be made and we will work hard to bring that about."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, McCachin(Elliott 39min) Mitchell, Diagne, Moke, Wright, Rodney(Mullen 65min), Hopkinson, Staples(Thomson 55min)
Subs not used: Mytides, Watson
Liverpool 2 - 0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's Under-18 side produced another battling performance before going down 2-0 to Liverpool in their latest FA Premier Academy League game on Merseyside.
Forest thought they had taken the lead after 20 minutes only to see Tim Hopkinson's effort ruled off following an innocuous handball decision.
Liverpool went on to take a 35th minute lead but had to wait until the 89th minute for the second goal that ended Forest's hopes.
Forest Academy coach Chris Fairclough admitted: "Liverpool were the better side on the day and there is no doubt they are very strong at this level.
"But we produced a committed performance and had the early effort been allowed to stand, the game could easily have followed a different course.
"At the end of the day we were disappointed because both goals were avoidable. We didn't mark too well for the first and could have closed down a situation that led to the second."
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Mitchell, Diagne, Sykes, Wright, McCashin, Elliott (Mullen), Staples (Thomson), Rodney, Hopkinson. Subs not used: Moke, Freeman, O'Brien.
Nottingham Forest 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
Nottingham Forest bounced back from their opening day defeat at Norwich to hold Tottenham in the FA Premier Academy League over the weekend.
The Reds produced a gritty display against the North London club at Wilford Lane.
They took a first half lead through Max Wright and although Spurs hit back after the break, Academy Director Nick Marshall was satisfied with the team's display.
"We did okay," he told us. "Spurs were perhaps the better of the two sides once they had equalised but we defended really stoically and looked threatening on the counter-attack."
Wright gave Forest a 15th minute lead when he fired home from close range after a corner had been flicked on. Spurs levelled matters 10 minutes into the second half.
Team: Darlow, Sykes, Diagne, Mitchell, Fairclough, Staples (Thompson 70), Wright, McCashin, Elliott, Newbold, Rodney. Subs: Mitides, Hopkinson, Watson, Freeman.
Norwich City 5 - 2 Nottingham Forest
A disastrous eight-minute period cost us dearly when we kicked off our Academy League programme with a 5-2 defeat against Norwich in East Anglia.
We did pretty well for almost an hour of the game but that's when it all went horribly wrong.
We were 2-1 up less than half an hour to go but in an eight-minute spell we conceded four goals and with it went any chance of getting any reward from the game.
Without being at our best, we looked well on the way to getting a victory after coming from behind after Norwich had opened the scoring on the half hour.
We got back into straight away when Max Wright played Tim Hopkinson through and after he had gone in bravely with the keeper, the ball broke for Hopkinson, who reacted quickly to put the ball into the net.
Ten minutes into the second half we went ahead with an excellent goal by Nialle Rodney. Matt Sykes long ball found Hopkinson and he got clear to the by line before cutting back for Rodney to score at the far post.
But then we had the spell that cost us the game and left us with a warning that if we don't defend better we will not get the results we are seeking.
Norwich equalised after Karl Darlow had punched clear and when the ball came back into the box it was scrambled home.
We then conceded a third goal from an excellent strike after a Norwich player had cut in and fired a terrific shot into the top corner.
And it quickly went from bad to worse when Norwich got similar goals from crosses that we didn't defend too well.
There was no denying that Norwich played very well in that period but the fact is that we allowed them to and it was a harsh lesson for us to learn very early in the campaign.
I think we will always be capable of scoring goals - as we showed - but we must tighten up at the back if we are to get some victories behind us.
Although he conceded five goals, I've got to give a mention to our goalkeeper Darlow, who produced two stunning saves early in the match to keep us in with a chance of winning the game.
In the end his efforts counted for nothing but it's important that we take the positives that were on offer on the day and make sure we tighten up as a defensive unit in the coming weeks.
Team: Darlow, Fairclough, Sykes, Elliott (Freeman), Diagne, McCashin, Wright, Thompson (Staples), Rodney, Hopkinson, Moke (Mullen). Subs not used: O'Brien, Watson.
Goalscorers: Hopkinson, Rodney
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