Notts fightback unable to prevent derby defeat

A late fight back was not enough to prevent Notts County ending pre-season with a defeat.

Established: Forrester continued his pre-season goal scoring form...

Despite two late goals from Jamie Forrester and on-trial Ben Fairclough grabbing goals in the dying stages, local rivals Nottingham Forest came out on top, winning 3-2.

County went behind after 27 minutes when Kevin Pilkington was unable to keep out a powerful volley from the Reds' new striker, Robert Earnshaw.

Julian Bennett doubled Forest's lead before the break by latching onto a corner - directing it inside the far post.

Earnshaw added to Notts' woes by grabbing the visitors' third with 15 minutes to play, sliding the ball past the onrushing Pilkington.

Although the game appeared dead and buried, Ian McParland's side fought back as the game drew to a close.

Forrester pounced onto a dithering Dale Roberts in the Forest goal, stealing the ball and placing it into the gaping goal to claw one back for his side.

Substitute, Fairclough got Forest fans' hearts racing, as a cross-come-shot

Tick tock: Time is running out for McParland to bring in new strikers before the new season begins...

 from the left-wing, found its way into the back of the net, dipping inside the back post.

This proved too little too late for Notts, but will no doubt give the players a confidence boost by finishing on such a high against Championship opposition.

A huge positive was that two strikers grabbed the goals for County, but there is no denying that the side looks extremely lightweight up front.

New arrivals surely have to arrive next week before the season opener to ensure that Notts have cover in all areas, as well as a number of different options in vital areas.