Despite more than matching high flying Nottingham Forest for much of the game, the Wolves Academy under 18s slipped to a 2-0 defeat against the East Midlands side at Compton Park on Saturday.

Forest are vying with Sunderland for top spot in the Academy League and they included three 19-year-olds in their team whilst the home side was compiled of mainly first year apprentices.

After an even opening, Forest took a 12th minute lead when the home defence failed to clear a corner.

Kyle Bennett went close to levelling matters before the break and David Ijaha (pictured) was outstanding in midfield as Wolves battled to get back on terms.

In the 56th minute, Scott Malone hit a post with a 20-yard free-kick and Ashley Hemmings beat his marker and was clean through only for the Forest keeper to deny him with a tremendous save.

James Davis was also thwarted by the keeper before the visitors went two up following a counter attack with the centre forward breaking clear and beating Billy Lumley from 15-yards.

The defeat was the first in eight games for the Molineux youngsters and their performance didn't go unnoticed by one observer as coach John Perkins explained.

He said: "Brian Eastick, the England under 19s coach, was at the game and after the final whistle he told me it had been a top class youth football match with both sides playing in the correct manner to aid the development of young players.

"I was delighted with the way we played against a very good team. We were more than worth a draw on the day but it wasn't to be."

The defeat was Wolves first in eight games. It was the last home fixture of the campaign with away games at Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers to come before the conclusion of the season.