Scott Sinclair's excellent hat-trick wasn't enough to secure a win for Aston Villa in their final game of pre-season, as they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Championship side Nottingham Forest.
Forest had taken an early lead thanks to Dexter Blackstock's goal before Sinclair hit three to give Villa a two goal lead. However, late strikes from Henri Lansbury and Kelvin Wilson tied the game.
Team news
There were Villa debuts for new signings Jose Angel Crespo and Jordan Ayew, as Tim Sherwood set up in a 4-4-2 formation, something he may favour against AFC Bournemouth in a weeks time.
In the opposite camp was a former Villa player, as Eric Lichaj started for Forest, who played a slightly more defensive 4-5-1 formation. Lichaj made 32 appearances in a five-year-spell at Villa Park before leaving for Nottingham in 2013.
Blackstock strikes early on
It was Lichaj's side who got off to a much better start, as Blackstock opened the scoring after just 30 seconds thanks to some slack Villa defending.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Lansbury picked the ball up in space and threaded a lovely through ball to Blackstock, who took just one touch before slotting past new Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn.
The home side continued to press at the Premier League sides goal, and Bunn was forced into action soon after when he pushed Jamie Ward's attempt wide.
Sinclair takes control of the game
However, Villa quickly got into gear and levelled proceedings in the 21st minute, with one of their eight new signings involved. Left back Jordan Amavi took the ball on the flank, and delivered a lovely ball with Sinclair was only too happy to head past a helpless Dorus De Vries.
In truth, little else happened in the first half, with players from each side looking like they were afraid of making a mistake that could upset their chances of a league start next weekend. Both teams went into the break fairly happy, before coming out for an explosive second half.
Another new Villa signing was thrust into the action for his debut, as Jordan Veretout replaced Libor Kozak, minutes before Villa took the lead.
Forgotten man Joe Cole played a huge part in setting it up, as his deflected pass put Sinclair through on goal, and the wingers high finish was enough to beat the 'keeper.
He went on to get his, and Villa's, third just 10 minutes later, as his sensational 25-yard-effort flew into the top right hand corner, drawing huge celebrations from fans and players alike.
In the midst of this, Forest had been doing some attacking of their own, as Michael Antonio's header cannoned back off the post, before Ward again went close through virtue of his driven shot hitting the post.
A late charge from Forest
The positive play paid off eventually, as the home side mounted a late charge to level the scores at the last. Lansbury, impressive throughout, pulled it back to 3-2 with around 10 minutes left, toe-poking the ball in after a swift turn on the edge of the box.
With the clock ticking into additional time, a Forest corner found it's way to Wilson at the back post, and his neat finish saw the game end 3-3.
Reaction
Neither side will be too disappointed in drawing the game, as they both take the positive that their attacks looked in form against a fairly good defence.
Forest will be confident going into their Championship opener that they can perform this season, after holding the higher division side to a draw, whilst Tim Sherwood will certainly have a few defensive concerns going into next weeks game.