The Nottinghamshire pre-season derby between Notts County and Nottingham Forest ended 2-1 in favour of Forest, with defender Luke Chambers the unlikely hero with a brace.
A lively first period was dominated in the opening twenty-five minutes by Forest, but for their free-flowing football they only had a Luke Chambers tap-in from a corner to show for their efforts, and they paid the price for missed chances as Neil MacKenzie tapped Notts level after thirty-two minutes.
The Magpies from that point on looked a changed side, enjoying plenty of the ball, getting forward well and carving out some decent opportunities in what was a really good workout and test for Steve Thompson's side in their first, and only, pre-season game on home soil.
However it ended in disappointment in terms of Notts losing the game as Chambers rose to meet another Bastians cross with five minutes to go, and he guided the ball with a well-angled effort beyond the dive of Pilkington in the Notts goal.
Before a fair-sized crowd at Meadow Lane it was Forest who were out of the traps quicker and after Kevin Pilkington fumbled a corner from Felix Bastians on four minutes defender Luke Chambers had the simple task of tapping the ball into the net from a few yards out.
It could have been 2-0 seconds later by a timely interception by Rob Austin denied the quick-footed Sinclair a shot at goal.
Forest were using the ball very well in the opening fifteen-or-so minutes and attacking at will, and only a good block from Hunt denied Thornhill what looked to be a certain second as Forest mounted bags of early pressure.
However on twenty minutes Notts came close to equalising against the run of play, and Andy Parkinson almost continued his fine pre-season form with a neat turn and curling shot from the edge of the box, but with Roberts beaten his shot crashed off the bar and Wilson headed the ball behind for a corner.
After riding the early storm, Notts were in their stride by the half-hour park and some poor defensive play by the Reds allowed Dudfield some room down the left to advance into the area, and with Forest caught short at the back MacKenzie found space in the box and he had the simple task of tapping Dudfield's centre into the net from a few yards out.
The goal lifted Notts and the home crowd who were in full voice, and the Magpies were able to get a better foothold on the game, get the ball down and attack well down the flanks.
They weren't able to add to their tally before the break, but straight after the restart Notts again looked lively and Dudfield stung the palms of Roberts with a powerful turn and shot.
Notts were looking far more confident and enjoying good spells as the second period progressed, and after impressive showings up front Parkinson and Dudfield were replaced by Weston and Sam. Neither were on the scoresheet, but played a significant role in attack.
Lee and Weston both tried their luck from range during the second period but were unable to find a way past Roberts in the Forest goal. Weston late on had a good opportunity to either get a shot in or play Hector Sam in on goal, but seemingly in two minds he scuffed his shot well wide.
In a rare foray forwards in the second period Reid blasted over for Forest, while at the other end Butcher's fiercely stuck shot was straight at Roberts.
With just five minutes to Forest took the lead again, and once again it was Chambers from a set-piece who was the thorn in Notts' side. The defender rose six yards out to head home a Bastians centre from the left, and his effort was well guiding beyond the reach of Kevin Pilkington.
In all, despite facing a young Forest side and tasting defeat in this game was another good test for the Magpies in their preparations for the new season. After riding the early storm Notts were perhaps the better team in the second period and used the ball well, no doubt giving Steve Thompson plenty of positives and in other areas he will have seen areas for improvement.
Just one more pre-season game for Notts now before the season starts, so Notts will be looking to put the final plans in place over the coming days.
After a first taste of football at Meadow Lane since April, you get the sense that everyone is really looking forward to seeing what Notts can produce this season. The signs are certainly promising.
Notts County: Pilkington, R Austin, Canoville, Hunt, McCann (Mayo 72), Somner, MacKenzie (Frost 80), Butcher, Lee (Weir-Daley 72), Parkinson (Sam 64), Dudfield (Weston 64, Mendes 89).
Subs Not Used: M Austin, Sandercombe.
Nottingham Forest: Roberts, Perch, Lockwood (Heath 46), Chambers, Wilson, Reid (Bencherif 78), Bastians, Thornhill, Powell, Brown (Fairclough 59), Sinclair.
Subs Not Used: Sharpe, Redmond.
Referee: Mr Phil Joslin
Attendance: 7,070
