U21s Match Report: Forest 2 Wolves 0

Experience was the key factor for Nottingham Forest in the PL2 league phase opener with Wolves. The Forest XI average age was just under two years above Wolves as James Collins’ side fell to a 2-0 defeat.

Wolves began quickly as Wes Okoduwa found Tom Edozie who fired wide. Northern Ireland international Dale Taylor also had an early opportunity but could only find Lewys Benjamin in the Wolves goal from an awkward angle. Forest kept the pressure up as Joe Gadner’s ball across the box narrowly missed the stretching Alex Mighten and Dale Taylor had the best chance of the first half, hitting the outside of the post after a lovely bit of skill to get past Matty Whittingham. A flurry of chances towards half time required a vital Caden Voice block from a close-range effort before Lewys Benjamin held an effort from Mighten.

The second half saw Alfie White introduced for Wes Okoduwa and Finn Ashworth also had to be replaced shortly after due to illness. The subs did little to slow the opposition, Dale Taylor once again troubling Benjamin who made an excellent save down to his right. Resilient Wolves were finally beaten when Alex Mighten dribbled through the Wolves midfield and found Taylor in the penalty area who buried the ball into the bottom corner, leaving the Wolves defence to appeal for offside to no avail. Wolves would find a rare opportunity when an Owen Farmer cross would eventually fall to Luke Rawlings who could only find the goalkeepers arms. Rawlings was involved at the other end next, caught on the ball by Mighten. An excellent save from Benjamin spared Rawlings’ blushes. Super-sub Jack Nadin wrapped the game up only two minutes after taking to the pitch. Alex Mighten flashed a ball across the goal and Benjamin could only parry it to the waiting Nadin who slammed it home from close range.

A tough start

Overall, a tough start to the campaign for Wolves and the imbalance between the teams was clear to see. The Forest team boasted a combined nine international caps while Mighten alone has over 100 senior games under his belt. Many of that Forest side will likely be loaned out before the window shuts, so there isn’t much to read into just yet.

There was positives for Wolves though. The defence managed to hold up to continued pressure well, with Lewys Benjamin making some superb saves. A good start for him as he attempts to stake a claim for regular U21 football with Arthur Nasta no doubt itching to make his case. Caden Voice and Wes Okoduwa also has strong defensive performances whilst Okoduwa was one of Wolves’ best attacking outlets as well for the half he played. The highlights are available on Nottingham Forest’s YouTube channel.

Wolves will now look to regroup and go again ahead of Friday’s clash with Arsenal before the U18s begin their season at home to Blackburn Rovers. For those wishing to attend, be aware of the change of Kick-off time and venue. The game will now take place at Compton Park at 13:00, with tickets available from the Wolves website.

OTHER Academy News

In other academy news, the U21s recently learned their opposition in the group stage of the International Cup. Wolves will host Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb, Ajax and Valencia. The opening game against Monaco is scheduled to take place at Aggborough with a 7PM kick-off on the 26^th September whilst the final group game will be on 11^th December, taking on Valencia. Keep an eye on the Wolves academy X feed for changes to venues and kick-off times. 

Nathan Fraser

Nathan Fraser also departed Wolves to join Belgian side Zulte Waregem on loan for the season. Fraser made ten appearances for the Wolves senior side last season, scoring two goals including one on his debut against Blackpool in the League Cup. Fraser also scored 5 times in 9 games for the U21s last season. Zulte Waregem were relegated to the second tier of Belgian football from the Belgian Pro League in 2023. The Challenger Pro League side finished 5^th last season but lost out to Lommel in the play-offs. This will hopefully be Fraser’s chance to get some much needed regular first-team football whilst Waregem hunt for promotion

Evima Cup

Finally, some great news as the Under 15s won the Evima Cup in Bulgaria last week. Wolves went unbeaten in the tournament, winning all five of their games and came from behind to defeat Danish side Brondby 2-1 in the deciding fixture. Wolves’ Ethan Smith finished as the top scorer and won the best forward award.