PLAYER RATINGS

BRICE SAMBA:

Got a hand to Josh Tymon’s strike but couldn’t keep it out. Made a few saves before that as the Potters built up pressure. Booked for time-wasting after an hour, which sums things up. Rating: 4/10

FIN BACK:

Thrown in at the deep end for his full League debut and more than stood up to the test. Held his own against more experienced players and looks to have a bright future ahead. Rating: 6/10

TOBIAS FIGUEIREDO:

Might have been a bit fortunate not to be punished further for a thumping tackle on Steven Fletcher. Defence made it too easy for Stoke to work the opening for Tymon. Rating:

4/10

SCOTT MCKENNA:

Pretty solid, particularly in the first half when the Potters were limited to very little. The Reds just backed off for the winner, though. Rating: 5/10

GAETAN BONG:

Involved in one of the brightest moments in the first half but that was as good as it got. Some loose passes and lost his man a couple of times from dangerous crosses. Rating: 7/10

RYAN YATES:

For all the talk of needing to change the midfield pairing beforehand, the Reds still struggled to get a grip on the game with a different combination. More progressive passing needed. Rating: 5/10

CAFU:

Did OK, but not enough to put his stamp on the game. Some decent link-up play at times, but didn’t show that often enough. Rating: 4/10

PHILIP ZINCKERNAGEL:

Forest desperately needed him to get on the ball more. They offered very little going forward. Created a chance for Taylor, but that was about it.

Rating: 5/10

JOAO CARVALHO:

A big opportunity, in the starting 11 for a League game for the first time since March 2020. Failed to make an impact, though, as the Reds lacked any kind of creativity. Rating: 4/10

ALEX MIGHTEN:

A few bright moments when he did manage to race down the wing. Chipped in with the defensive work when his team came under pressure. Rating: 5/10

LYLE TAYLOR:

Had to live off scraps, with the ball being lumped forward too often. An acrobatic effort in the first half was as close as the Reds came to breaking the deadlock, though. Hold-up play could have been better.

Rating: 4/10

SUBSTITUTES

BRENNAN JOHNSON (FOR CARVALHO, 71):

A lot to ask to try to turn the game around. Almost managed it by pouncing on a loose ball. Rating: 5/10

LEWIS GRABBAN (FOR TAYLOR, 71):

Might have done better with that ball from Johnson, but didn’t have a lot else to work with. Rating: 5/10

SUBS NOT USED

Horvath, Colback, Fornah, Richardson, Harbottle.