Sammy Bangoura's first goal of the season helped City's second string see off a young Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground.

The Guinean international seized on a loose ball shortly after the interval to bring to an end a run of three games without a win for Noel Blake's reserves.

Bangoura was one of a host of first team players in the starting line up, but Forest's inexperience failed to show and City could have been a goal down early on.

But the Potters' defence held firm as the hosts launched numerous attacks.

Martin Paterson offered City's rearguard some relief by setting up Kevin Harper, but the winger's effort was saved low by 'keeper Shane Redmond.

Felix Bastians then forced a smart save from Rob Duggan before Harper turned provider for Paterson to volley onto the base of the upright.

Forest fans were left scratching their heads after 34 minutes as to how Jon-Paul Pittman had failed to score when rattled the bar with a header before forcing a superb save from Duggan from five yards out.

City capitalized on the hosts missed chances and eventually took the lead three minutes into the second half.

Harpers teasing cross from the right was parried into the feet of Bangoura and the record-signing striker could not miss as he stroked the ball into the empty net.

Adam Rooney should have made it two after the hour mark but blasted over the bar, while Paterson continued to cause problems, firing into the side netting.

Bangoura might have added to his total on 76 minutes but it was left to Duggan to secure the points, making a number of impressive saves from long range.

Forest: Redmond, Cullingworth, Padula, Beaumont, Bencherif, Fernandez, James, Power, Pittman, Thornhill (McGugan 71), Bastians (Fairclough 71). Subs (Not used): Sharpe, Maloney, Reid.

City: Duggan, Whitley, Wilkinson, Dickinson, Hazley (Robinson 45), Harper, Pulis, Sweeney (Garrett 79), Rooney, Bangoura, Paterson. Subs (Not used): St Louis Hamilton, Parsons, Thomas.