Notts County’s pre-season campaign began with a 0-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane on Friday, 18 July 2026, as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Alexander Kalimuendo settled the friendly clash.
What happened at Meadow Lane?
Forest, under new head coach Oliver Glasner, started their summer schedule with a 3pm kick-off against local rivals Notts County. The Reds, fresh from a 12-day training camp in Portugal, controlled large spells of the first half before Jesus broke the deadlock midway through. The Brazilian finished clinically after a slick move involving Morgan Gibbs-White, putting Forest ahead just before the half-hour mark.
Kalimuendo doubled the lead late in the first half, nodding in a cross from Matty Cash. The Magpies pushed hard in the final 15 minutes, with Taiwo Awoniyi blazing over from close range, but Forest held firm to secure the win.
Why it matters for Notts County
For Notts County, the game was a chance to test new signings and blood youngsters under interim boss John Askey. The League Two side, sitting fifth with 80 points from 46 games and a +22 goal difference, used the friendly to build rhythm ahead of their push for promotion.
The Magpies, on a two-game winning run (WWDDW) and unbeaten in five, showed attacking intent but lacked cutting edge in front of goal. Askey will hope the outing sharpens their pre-season edge before League Two resumes.
What comes next for both sides?
Forest head back to Portugal for further work before their Premier League opener against Brighton on 22 August, while Notts County continue their pre-season schedule aiming to close the seven-point gap to Bromley in the title race.
League standing: Notts County are fifth in England League Two with 80 points from 46 games (24 wins, 8 draws, 14 losses), recent form WDWDW, and a +22 goal difference (74 scored, 52 conceded).
