Notts County secured their first EFL Trophy knockout qualification since 2018 with a commanding 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest's under-21 side on Tuesday night. The win provides a significant morale boost for a side sitting 22nd in League One with just seven points from eight games.
Luka Smyth opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing from a Matt Palmer assist. The hosts led 1-0 at the break before a flurry of second-half goals sealed the win. Jacob Bedeau doubled the lead in the 66th minute, with Lee Ndlovu adding a third just three minutes later. Conor Grant and Callum Roberts completed the scoring in the 74th and 79th minutes respectively. Forest's Buba Sanneh scored a late consolation in stoppage time.
Smyth orchestrates victory
Smyth was the standout performer, not only scoring the opener but also providing assists for three of the subsequent goals. His early contribution set the tone for a night where Notts County dominated statistically, registering 27 shots to Forest's 11 and holding 56% of possession. The team's expected goals figure of 3.92 underlined their attacking control.
The comprehensive nature of the win is a welcome positive ahead of a key League One trip to 15th-placed Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday.
The result stands in stark contrast to the team's recent league form, which reads two wins and three losses from the last five matches. This cup success offers a different narrative as the squad prepares for a vital period in the league, where they currently have a goal difference of minus three.
