A spirited comeback and a super-sub performance from two-goal Daniel Flack saw the young Blues second string beat an experienced Nottingham Forest side at Playford Road.

Forest lined-up with Des Walker in defence, Jack Letster and Eoin Jess up front and a number of other players with first team experience. The Town side of youngsters fielded only James Pullen who had made a first team start.

Pullen was to prove Town's most important player in the first half, making fine saves from Jess, Lester and twice from Matt Bodkin.

Town's best efforts were both from Nabil Abidallah but neither really threatened. However, despite their overall dominance Forest couldn't turn their pressure into goals.

Town's defenders appeared to be asleep as the second period started and within a minute Lester had broken through only for Pullen to again save well. Sadly for Town the ball broke to the Forest right where Brian Cash rifled home past defenders on the line.

The rest of the half, however was mainly Town with some fine passing moves almost gaining an equaliser.

During one such move Dean Bowditch made an excellent break down the left before playing the ball into striker partner Morrow. The Northern Irishman's stabbed shot was saved by Pascal Formann in the Midlanders' goal.

Formann also did well to save from Ian Westlake after he had run on to an Antonio Murray pass.

On 65 Murray made way for 17-year-old midfielder Daniel Flack. Within two minutes Flack had put Town on terms.

In probably the brightest move of the afternoon, one-touch passing on the left involving Westlake, Morrow and Bowditch ended with Flack hitting a 12-yard shot past Formann.

With five minutes left the sub struck again, Bowditch playing the ball through and Flack putting the ball low across to the keeper's right.

Late on Sam Morrow almost put Town further in front with a fine header which was deflected over.

In the last minute Chris Hogg received a yellow card after reacting to a poor challenge from Jack Lester which saw the Town defender collide with a post.

The Blues wanted to field impressive Arsenal trialists Ashley Probets and Alfie Kamara but the Gunners would not give them permission to play.

The pair, spotted by Town at exit trials, were highly impressive against West Ham reserves last week and Probets did well in a second string game against Wimbledon a fortnight ago. The Blues are keen to take both into the Academy for next season.

Town: James Pullen, Scott Mitchell, Stuart Boardley, Matt Bloomfield, Aiden Collins, Chris Hogg, Nabil Abidallah, Ian Westlake, Sam Morrow, Dean Bowditch, Antonio Murray (Flack 65).

Photo: Action Images

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