Match Reports 2003-4

Waltham Forest`s final match of the season could not have been a tougher prospect. Promotion chasing Ipswich had to win to snatch the final automatic promtion slot, and were therefore in no mood for a friendly, end-of-season run out. Forest were out to spoil the party then, and Ipswich soon realised they were not going to have things all their own way when Forest took the lead inside 10 minutes. The ball broke to Greg Mawdsley on the left who switched on the after-burners to skin the Ipswich full-back, before crossing to the unmarked Tanswell who slipped the ball under the advancing keeper to score. This sparked Ipswich into life, and within 5 mins equalised with a straight strike from a short-corner, drilled into the bottom corner. Ipswich were gifted a second goal, when a Forest hit out from the 16 yard line went straight to a waiting Havering player who slipped the ball past the advancing Forest keeper.

Two-one down at half-time, but Forest knew they were still in the game, and Forest continued to press for the equaliser in the second half. However it was Ipswich who looked ot have sealed the game with a switched short-corner. The shot, which flicked off the top of goalkeeper Ben Clarke`s pads looked to be initially going over the backboard, but the umpire gave the goal. Forest could have been forgiven for giving up the ghost with the scores at 3-1 but, showed great resolve in fighting their way back into the game. Forest pulled one back with 10 mins to go, Tanswell forcing in his second from a rebounded short-corner. He then looked to have sealed his hat-trick five mins later, after fine work from his strike-partner Da Silva down the left-flank, but the umpire after intially awarding the goal, inexplicably changed his mind after he thought that the ball had hit Tanswell`s foot as he controlled the cross!!
Tanswell protested his innocence as the ball quite clearly had not touched his foot but to no avail. With the prize at stake for Ipswich, they were obviously a very relieved side with that decision, and with Forest unable to convert any other chances, the result ended 3-2 to Ipswich. A disappointing end to an otherwise solid season who consolidated their 6th place in the league. The signs are there though and if Forest can start next season as strongly as they have finished this one, then who knows what might be achieved !!

Forest travelled to Havering in their penultimate game of the season knowing that a win would guarantee at least 6th position in the table. Havering looked to have a particularly strong side out which belied their lowly league position and it was they who started the game strongest, going one-nil up inside 5 minutes. Forest failed to deal with a mazy run from the Havering forward, who`s shot was saved by goalkeeper Ben Clarke, but he could do nothing with the follow-up shot high into the top corner. Havering continued to press looking to kill off the game as quickly as they could, but Forest were now showing much more determination and composure at the back, as well as threatening Havering themselves on the break with Matt Tanswell and Luciano da Silva linking well up front.

Chances came and went at both ends, but no more goals were scored in the first half. Forest, now growing in confidence, started the second half well, with James Milanovic and Billy Purcell stamping their authority on the midfield, breaking up play and spreading the ball wide, from where Forest were now looking very dangerous. It was concerted pressure down Havering`s left that led to Forest`s equaliser. Purcell releasing Simon Watson who jinked to the by-line before crossing to Da Silva who slotted the ball just inside the far post. Havering now stepped up their efforts to get back in a game that was slowly edging towards Forest, but it was from one of Havering`s short-corners that Forest snatched the lead with a breath-taking counter attack. Da Silva chased down a long clearance forcing the defender into a mistake. He played a quick one-two with Tanswell before burying his shot past the helpless keeper to score his and Forest`s second. Havering threw everything but the kitchen sink at Forest to get something out of a game they had led for so long, but Forest`s defence held firm to claim all 3 points.

Forest travelled to Brentwood with both teams locked on the same points in the race for 5th position in the league. Forest expected a tough encounter as Brentwood had secured some notable victories of late, and with 3 regular choice players unavailable, the task seemed even harder for Forest.

Brentwood dominated the early stages, putting the Forest back 4 under sustained pressure. However the Forest defence of Robert Boulton, Tom Lancaster, Chris Brown and Steve Hare were working well as a unit and kept Brentwood at bay. With Brentwood attacking in numbers trying to score the early advantage, Forest needed to be effective on the break, and indeed they twice went close with some flowing counters that Man U or Arsenal would have been proud of. However it was Brentwood who took the lead from a short-corner, the deflected shot looping over the helpless goalkeeper Ben Clarke. Forest needed to up their game and with Billy Purcell and James Milanovic starting to boss the centre of the park, Forest edged back in to the game. The equaliser came 5 mins before the break, Lancaster`s strike form a short-corner rebounding out to Luciano Da Silva, who despatched it emphatically into the top corner (via a defenders stick).

1-1 at half time and Forest came out all guns blazing in the second half looking for the 3 points. Greg Mawdsley on the left of midfield and Jean Grobler on the right started to find more and more space as Forest got their passing game going, stretching Brentwood to the inevitable breaking point which came 10 mins into the second half. A bullet cross from the right from Luciano Da Silva caused a scramble in front of goal, and Jim Bennett popped up to capitalise on the ensuing confusion, blasting the ball in from point blank range.

A third goal followed 10 mins later, James Milanovic scoring from a switched short-corner. This effectively killed Brentwood off, but it was good to see Forest playing hard to the final whistle, and not letting Brentwood have a sniff of a chance to get back into the game.

With many teams now finishing their complement of games in the league, Forest have a double-header of re-arranged games this week, now knowing exactly what they have to do to finish in that all important top-half of the table.

Forest entertained Dunmow knowing that a win could move them up in what is turning out to be a very tight mid table battle in Div 3SE. Dunmow were also in this chase for points, and so this was going to be no easy game for Forest. The first half was a very scrappy affair, both teams struggling to find any fluidity in their play, and with both defences coming out on top.
The game was not helped by the very blustery conditions and regular inconsistencies from the umpires, with both teams getting frustrated by some of the decisions being made. Neither team could make the break-through in the first 35 and so the half ended goalless with both teams needing to step up their play to take the three points.

Forest started the second half the brighter of the two teams with Billy Purcell starting to dominate the midfield battle and the seemingly tireless James Milanovic finding a lot of space down the left channel. The opening goal finally came 10 mins into the second half, Luciano Da Silva firing the ball in from the top of the D, through the keepers legs. Dunmow tried to force their way back in the game but were getting more and more frustrated by the umpires, which reached a head when two of their players were sin-binned in quick succession, both for chatting back to the umpires.
Forest took advantage of this sudden 2-man advantage through James Milanovic, who capped a fine all round display by popping up to score when Matt Tanswell`s initial shot was saved by the Dunmow keeper. Forest now just had to keep their cool as Dunmow had a further 2 players sin binned towards the end of the game, again for back-chat. However, Dunmow did get a very late consolation from a dubiously awarded short-corner to make the final result 2-1 to Forest.

Forest now have 3 games left, and 2 wins from these will almost certainly guarantee a very creditable 5th place in the league.

Forest travelled to promotion chasing Chelmsford on Saturday without three regular first team players, including goalkeeper and captain Ben Clarke, so handed debuts to Bill Short and stand-in keeper Wes Crawford.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle for mid-table Forest and so it proved, with the visitors lacking coherence in the opening exchanges and Chelmsford piling on the pressure through the midfield. The Forest defence couldn't stand up to this onslaught for long, and conceded two goals in quick succession midway through the first half, both resulting from flowing moves inspired by Chelmsford's tricky attacking midfielders.

Forest rallied and found some rhythm of their own towards the break, but this was largely limited to long balls and led to no end product. Chelmsford were three up by the interval and Forest were looking demoralised.

A tactical switch at half time brought Forest more into the game, and they looked a different side, rueing several good opportnuties missed. Chelmsford were always looking likely to add to their total on the counter attack and so it proved when they struck a fourth against the run of play. Forest's second-half improvement finally paid dividends when a move started by Billy Purcell and worked down the right was bundled home on the far post by debutant Short.

It was too little too late, though, as Chelmsford's pacy counter attacks once more caught out Forest down the right of their defence and a sharp first time shot beat Crawford at his near post to complete the rout.

Forest will look to bounce back from this disjointed performance next week at home with a full strength side.

Waltham Forest entertained a rejuvenated Romford side who were fresh from their first league win of the season. Romford took advantage of a slow start from Forest and had all the early play but without really creating any clear cut chances. That was until a dubious umpiring decision allowed Romford to take the lead. A Romford short corner was saved by the Forest keeper but rebounded straight to an opposing forward, who's shot hit a Forest defender in the body at point-blank range. However with several other defenders between him and the goal Forest were aghast when the umpires awarded a penalty stroke against Brown for deliberately stopping the shot with his body. Goalkeeper Clarke was unable to repeat his heroics of last week and Romford were a goal up. This shook Forest to life and with Purcell and Watson dictating play in the centre of midfield the team started creating chances. First Purcell beat everyone but the keeper with a jinking run, and Da Silva and Tanswell had clear chances to score but failed to convert.
Forest`s equaliser did duly come after some good persistent play from Tanswell at the top of the D, the ball breaking to Purcell on the right who's first time cross from the by-line was swept in by Da Silva. Almost from the restart, Forest went 2-1 up thanks to O`Rourke popping up on the far post to convert another Purcell cross.

This 2 minute burst clearly rocked Romford for the second half and Forest enjoyed the majority of possession and territory. Chances came and went to stretch the lead, but it only seemed a matter of time before Forest would do so. When it came, it was worth the wait thanks to a short-corner straight off the practice ground. Lancaster dummied the initial shot to allow Watson to switch the ball to Milanovic on the left of the D. He spotted Da Silva's run to the opposite post, and threaded the ball through the eye of a needle for Da Silva to deflect the ball into the roof of the net and bag his second of the match. More chances went begging for Forest to extend their lead but the result was never in doubt until Romford bagged a late consolation with the last play of the match. This 3-2 win cemented Forest`s position in mid-table with 5 games left to play.

Forest travelled to table-topping local rivals Wapping with a full strength side, eager to avenge the home defeat inflicted earlier in the season. Forest set their stall out early battling for every ball and showing tremendous work-rate, which had been all too sadly lacking over the past few weeks. This effort was justified as Forest caught Wapping on the break after 10 minutes. James Milanovic released Matt Tanswell down the left who cut inside and took an early shot against the advancing keeper, which was saved, but Milanovic saw an opportunity and snaffled up the rebound.

1-0 to Forest, but the goal only served to shake Wapping into life and they began to put Forest under more and more pressure. Forest weren't going to relinquish their lead easily though, with Robert Boulton epitomising the teams effort, literally putting his body on the line with some tremendous shot blocking at consecutive short corners. When Wapping did get clear shots on goal they found Forest's goalkeeper Ben Clarke in imperious form, pulling off a series of fine saves to protect Forest's lead. Even the umpire's tried their best to help Wapping back in the game with some strange umpiring decisions, none more so than when a very harsh penalty flick was awarded against Steve Hare for a stick tackle in the D when the Wapping player was going nowhere. However Clarke ensured justice was done saving the resultant shot with aplomb. Unfortunately though Forest could not hold out till half time with a Wapping player reacting quickest to a half-stopped shot to level.

The second half continued as the first ended with Wapping dominating the play, and Forest unable to counter as effectively as they had done earlier in the game. However it still took Wapping till the hour mark to take the lead and even then it was through an unfortunate deflection off a short-corner. Fitness then began to tell and soon after Wapping scored a third to finally see off a resilient Forest. A 3-1 loss then but a much improved performance should provide a lift to Forest when they entertain bottom of the table Romford at home this Saturday.

Forest entertained second from bottom Ipswich & East Suffolk (IES), hoping
for a win to get their season back on track. There was a slightly new-look
to the Forest line-up with Jean Grobler making his debut for the team on
the right-side of midfield and Simon Watson switching to the bottom of the
midfield diamond in replace of the injured Shaun O`Rourke. Forest made all
the early running with Greg Mawdsley and Matt Tanswell causing problems
with their pace up-front and it seemed only a matter of time before Forest
scored. However some lacklustre shooting in front of goal coupled with
some excellent saves by the IES keeper kept Forest waiting. Indeed a
Forest short corner at the end of the first half illustrated the luck
Forest were having in front of goal. The initial shot was saved and the
rebound fell to Mawdsley`s reverse side. His outrageous lob beat the
keeper but came back off the bar, which resulted in a goal mouth frenzy and
two more goal-line clearances!

Nil-nil at half time was not a fair reflection on the game and IES were
getting more and more confident as the game progressed through the second
half. However excellent work from Robert Boulton at right back and Chris
Brown in the centre kept IES from having any real shots on goal. Forest
finally made the breakthrough their build-up play deserved mid-way through
the second half through a short-corner, Tanswell converting from the
slipped pass from Tom Lancaster. This should have opened the flood-gates
as Forest created chance after chance, but they just could not find the
net. It meant a very nervy final few minutes as IES looked to sneak an
equaliser. The final whistle and the 1-0 victory, came as a relief to
Forest who need to do some serious shooting practice before they face
table-topping Wapping on saturday.

After 2 consecutive cancelled games, Forest travelled to Southend having not played competitive hockey for 3 weeks. Add to that a late withdrawal from the side meant that Forest were playing with only 10 men for the whole match, and a drubbing looked on the cards.

However the 10 men of Forest applied themselves to the task in hand with real fervour, and Old Southendians (OS) suddenly knew this would be no walk-over. Indeed in the first 10 mins the best couple of chances fell to Forest on the break with first Billy Purcell then Luciano Da Silva going close. OS came back strong and for much of the rest of the first half were camped in the Forest half. Forest stood firm though, with defenders Chris Brown, Robert Boulton and Steve Hare standing firm at the heart of the defence, and when OS did get through on goal, Forest keeper Ben Clarke was proving difficult to beat. Another break-away from Forest towards the end of the half led to the first goal, with Matt Tanswell tapping in a half stopped shot, after Da Silva had scampered away from the OS defence.

Forest were feeling confident going into the second half, however a couple of niggly injuries (Da Silva`s hamstring and midfielder Shaun O`Rourke`s knee), meant Forest were effectively playing with 9 men. This proved decisive as OS scored in quick succession from 2 short corners, to break Forests hearts. One final push from Forest in the final 5 mins almost led to a fully deserved equaliser but no-one could force the ball in the net.

A cruel 2-1 loss for a battling performance, but lots of positives to carry forward to the Home game against Ipswich and East Suffolk this week.

Waltham Forest looked to bounce back after a frustrating loss last week, but faced a tough task against a strong Southend side. It was Southend that dictated the play in the first period, with their sharp passing and tricky forwards causing Forest problems. Southend went 1-0 up when a drilled cross was deflected in at close range and continued to pile on the pressure for Forest, forcing a succession of short corners. Forest defended these well, with goalkeeper Ben Clarke keeping the game alive with a series of solid saves. Forest had a chance to level when the Southend goalkeeper was adjudged to have fouled Forest forward Matt Tanswell. It was Tanswell who dusted himself down to take the resulting penalty flick but the keeper saved well. Southend ended the half strongly and Forest defender Steve Hare made an excellent goal-line clearance. However he and the rest of the Forest defence could do nothing as Southend went 2-0 up just before half-time catching Forest on the break.

Forest stepped up the pace in the second half, looking to haul themselves back in the game, but in doing so left themselves vulnerable at the back, with Southend looking very sharp on the counter. This proved to be Forest`s undoing as chance after chance was spurned by the Forest forwards, and Southend grabbed a 3rd and 4th in quick succession on the break to kill off the game. Forest did get a late consolation through Shaun O`Rourke to make it 4-1, but it was scant consolation in a game which Forest were
out-fought and out-thought.

Waltham Forest looked to build on their impressive form before the winter break, as they faced Ramgarhia at home. Forest dominated the opening exchanges and went one-nil up inside the first few minutes, Matt Tanswell cheekily tucking the ball under the advancing keeper after good work down the right from Bill Purcell and Chris Brown. And it was Purcell who doubled Forest`s lead shortly after, converting a short-corner straight off the practice ground. Forest continued to pile forward to take advantage of a sluggish looking Ramgarhia, but chance after chance went begging. Two mistakes at the other end cost Forest dear as Ramgarhia got two quick goals against the run of play to peg back Forest`s ambitions. Forest still had a chance to end the half in the lead, but Tanswell failed to convert a penalty flick.

Two apiece at half time was not a fair reflection on the game with Forest determined not to throw away their lead. However Ramgarhia were a different proposition after the break, packing their defence and counterattacking at pace making them the likely candidates to push on and win the game.

And so it proved as a converted penalty flick and another goal on the break sealed Forest`s fate. Not even a late consolation goal from Shaun O`Rourke could lift the gloom in the home dressing room after another jekyll and hyde performance, throwing away a two goal lead to lose 3-4.

Forest travelled to Dunmow looking to build on their recent run of good form and took an early lead from the first short corner of the match.

Tom Lancaster`s initial blocked shot was pounced on by Greg Mawdsley who scrambled the ball to James Milanovic to put Forest ahead. However, the lead lasted only 5 mins as a dangerous Dunmow side caught Forest on the break and their forward lashed the ball into the top corner. Forest then went behind mid-way through the first half conceding a sloppy goal from a straight short-corner strike, but fought back to level in somewhat controversial circumstances.

From another Forest short corner Tom Lancaster`s dipping shot was deflected into the net by the diving Dunmow keeper. Dunmow protested that the initial shot was too high, but to no avail as the umpire awarded the goal.

Lucky to go into the second half all square, Forest rose to the challenge and took the game to Dunmow. A sweeping counter attack from being pinned deep in their own half, led to Greg Mawdsley capping a fine display by cheekily slipping the ball inside the goalies near-post.

Forest then wasted some golden opportunities to stretch the lead, but in the end three goals was enough to see off a good Dunmow side. This 3-2 win saw Forest close the gap on the top 5 with one more home game before the mid-season break.

An horrific start to this home match saw Forest 2-0 down inside the first five minutes.

Firstly a moment of madness from sweeper Tom Lancaster, kicking the ball away after conceding a free hit, resulted in a short corner, which Chelmsford converted with an unstoppable shot. Then some truly shambolic defending resulted in Chelmsford`s second. Forest were struggling to cope with Chelmsfords pacy forwards, but managed to keep them at bay long enough for the team to get a foot-hold in the game. The final five minutes of the first half was all Forest`s and two goals in as many minutes from Matt Tanswell hauled Forest back in the game.

This proved to be the turning point as Chelmsford looked shell-shocked at having let slip their two-goal lead so easily. Forest were quick to seize on the opportunity and started to turn the screw in the second half. Matt Tanswell completed his hat-trick with the goal of the game, finishing off a devastating move down the right, and soon after James Milanovic scored Forest`s fourth.

Chelmsford could find no way back with Tom Lancaster, keen to make up for his earlier insdiscretion, marshalling the defence superbly, and Simon Watson having his game of the season at right-back. Substitute Robert Boulton rounded off the scoring with a simple tap in for Forest`s fifth.

A roller-coaster game but that 5-2 win cemented Forest`s place in the top half of the table.

Waltham Forest travelled to rock-bottom Romford on saturday looking for a win that would take them up to mid-table respectability with just 3 games to go before the mid-season break.

Forest, as expected, took the game straight to a Romford team who were yet to score a point this season, passing the ball around confidently and threatening to open the scoring with every attack. Forest went one-nil up when a quick attack down the right by Billy "Look at me girls!"Purcell and Matt ("Pass the ball") Tanswell left the Romford defence standing, and Tanswell`s pull-back to the top of the D was emphatically finished by Shaun O`Rourke (also known as Faggot) . Forest settled down once that first goal went in and it wasn`t a case of if a second would be scored but when. The answer was five minutes, as Luciano (Lucy) Da Silva made it two-nil midway through the first half, and Jim (Diplomatic) Bennett cheekily slipped the ball under the advancing keeper to make it 3-0 just before the break.

Forest were made to work a little bit harder in the second half on an unseasonably warm autumnal afternoon, and all credit to Romford for not folding, as they fought tenaciously for every ball. Indeed Romford pulled a goal back after a concerted period of pressure, their nippy centre forward dribbling unchallenged into the D before finishing coolly into the corner. This woke Forest from their stupour, and only a couple of goal line clearances denied Forest`s fourth. That was until the final moments of the match when Forest`s sweeper, Tom (Four engined) Lancaster, drilled in his debut goal for the club from a short-corner.

Hopefully Forest can build on this 4-1 win when they face Chelmsford at home this saturday.

Forest, buoyed by their 4-0 win last week, came up against a Wapping side flying high in 3rd place in the table.

The game started at a frenetic pace as both sides tried to assert their authority on the game, but it was Wapping who had the better of the early exchanges. Wapping were spraying the ball around with a lot of confidence and Forest were being pulled out of shape on numerous occasions, with one such occasion leading to Wappings first short corner. The initial shot deflected unfortunately off a Forest defenders foot, over the despairing dive of goalkeeper Ben Clarke and into the back of the net. 1-0 to Wapping and Forest pushed forward trying to find the equaliser.

Luciano Da Silva, Forest`s main attacking threat was causing Wapping problems but without the end result. Wapping made it 2-0, catching Forest on the break, as they finished the half the stronger side.

Forest were by no means out of it at 2-0 down, but Wapping were very organised and were proving a tough side to break down. And it was Wapping who scored mid-way through the second half to make it 3-0 with a well worked free-hit routine. Forest pulled one back late on through Shaun O`Rourke but it was not enough to prevent Forest slipping to their fourth defeat of the season and remain in the bottom three.

Essex league first division champions Waltham Forest took on the premier division champions, and local rivals, Brentwood, in the Semi-Finals of England Hockey’s Women’s Vase Knock Out Competition on Sunday at the Peter May sports centre.

Usually knocked out in the early rounds of this competition Waltham Forest ladies first team have enjoyed a successful cup run and winning season – not losing any games since the start of the season in September.

Brentwood made a strong start, a high flying goal in the eleventh minute was deemed dangerous and disallowed. This was the kick start Forest needed and they immediately countered with 2 goals in as many minutes. Kelly Bibbey picked up the ball deep in the attacking half from Ayleen Duske’s long pass. Bibbey kept control and sped through the defence, striking at the top of the circle and easily beating the keeper. Excellent team work from Bibbey and Gillian Fraser, running circles round the exposed Brentwood defence gave Forest their second as another Forest run left the defence standing. Bibbey drew the keeper, and set up Fraser for a text book goal.

The visitors were certainly shocked to be hit so hard by the under dogs, but rallied and applied strong pressure which was well contained by the Forest defence despite a number of short corners. Eventually however Brentwood drew one back from a corner on the half hour mark, taking the score to 2-1 at half-time.

Forest looked less sharp after the break, Morag Campbell the host keeper forced to make many spectacular saves to protect the Forest lead. Brentwood took advantage with some strong play and good possession. They scored twice more from penalty corners and with 10 minutes to go the game looked finished as the visitors led 2-3.

The final minute however, found the Bibbey-Fraser partnership back in action, and a superb break with just 15 seconds left to play gave the hosts renewed hope, and extra time golden goal opportunity, as they drew level 3-3 with Fraser’s second goal.

Unfortunately, the golden goal came too quickly for Forest’s liking as the umpire awarded a penalty flick against the hosts within the first minute. Brentwood converted, and giving the visitors a 3-4 win and a place in the final against Bolton in May.

Waltham Forest were naturally disappointed to go out in such a fashion, and such a close result belied the fact that it could easily have gone either way. Certainly, nothing could take away from the enjoyment of such a great season, and the best cup run in their history. They definitely gave the premiership champion side a run for their money on the day and proved they are more than a match for the premiership sides that they will face each week next season.

Waltham Forest Ladies' last league game of the season, away against Havering last Saturday, featured a depleted first team side calling upon 4 replacements from the 2nd team to make up the squad.

It was a physical and scrappy game, Forest dominating the first-half and finally finding the back of the net as a result of a penalty corner: Gillian Fraser at the post sweeping up Ayleen Duske's pass.

Havering played some good hockey and created more of their own pressure in the second-half, it was end-to-end stuff with Havering eventually equalising from a goal-mouth scramble with barely 5 minutes left to play.

The pressure was now on for undefeated Forest to win an untidy and frustrating game. Immediately they rose to the challenge as Philippa Lacroix intercepted in mid-field to set up Fraser in the circle, who kept her calm to round the keeper and finish well to restore the lead.

With the final minutes still full of action, Havering were unlucky to miss a close attempt at goal, and Forest were relieved to take all three points and finish the season with another win.

Motivation was severely lacking from the Waltham Forest team as they took on local Leyton-based rivals East London on Saturday in Walthamstow. Having secured both the league title and a place in the semi-finals of the England Women's Vase competition Forest were looking for a comfortable win, and certainly didn't need the points.

Gale force winds hampered play, but it was an eventful first half as a contested flick was awarded and well converted against the home side within the first 5 minutes. Barely two minutes later a foot on the goal line resulted in Forest gaining their own flick, but Ayleen Duske's attempt was turned away by the ever-competent East London keeper.

Forest soon equalised as Philippa Lacroix's reverse stick sweep of the ball from the top of the circle penetrated the visitor's defence. Kelly Bibbey then caught them unawares with a simple push that found it's way over the goal line and took the score line to 2-1. East London troubled the Forest defence a number of times with some fast counters and showed far more determination to win than the home side. Forest felt themselves frequently aggrieved by some umpiring decisions and a contested penalty corner found East London equalising. Forest once more took the lead following a nicely worked team goal with Gill Fraser finding the backboard.

A less eventful second-half saw some excellent defending at both ends. Early in the half East London managed to find a gap in the defence and draw the match. It was clear from that point that despite frequent half-chances neither side was going to have any more joy in front of goal.

Yesterday's league game was a vital win to bolster confidence for the Quarter Final Vase game the following day up in Dudley. It was a hard-fought match, with three green cards and plenty of passion.

Forest took as many travelling supporters up with them as the home team had, and they certainly beat the home fans for crowd volume.

The first quarter was generally in Forest’s control, they brought the majority of play into their attacking circle, and secured a series of penalty corners. The Dudley defence, however, was strong, and superb work from their county keeper kept out all of Forest’s goal-bound attempts.

The rest of the first-half was more even with Dudley asserting their own pressure and showing that they too were a force to be reckoned with. Forest’s Jo Mitchell saved the ball off the line for Forest at the back, and some great saves from keeper Mog Campbell kept the Forest goal safe.

The second-half however, saw Forest take control of the game once and for all. A surging run from the back by defender Jenny Todd brought the ball up to the circle for Linda Neimantas to receive and set up Kelly Bibbey in front of the Dudley keeper to push the ball over the back line into the goal. The deadlock broken, Forest had a renewed vigour, and just 6 minutes later they punished the Dudley defence again at a penalty corner. Ayleen Duske struck the shot wide to the left post where Gill Fraser was waiting to sweep in the second goal.

Superb defensive midfield play from Mandy Briggs and Rebekah Phillips kept Dudley at bay, whilst Bibbey, Fraser, Neimantas, Philippa Lacroix and Kathryn Tucker piled on the pressure up front.

An action replay of the second goal from another penalty corner gave Forest their third as Fraser once more found the back of the net.

With barely five minutes left, Dudley grabbed a well-struck consolation goal from a fast counter attack. By then this was quite against the run of play and Forest were confident they would hold on to make it to the semi-finals in April.

The next round sees them pitted against local rivals Brentwood 1st team in Walthamstow; the other Semi has Bolton playing hosts to Worthing.

Saturday's league game against third placed Brentwood was always going to be a tough game: Brentwood previously having held Forest to a draw at home, the visitors were determined to win the replay. It was a furiously paced match, with Brentwood focusing hard on their defence.

Linda Neimantas opened the scoring for Forest sweeping up a rebound at the near post off Ayleen Duske’s saved shot. Forest’s second came via Pauline Anderson’s deflected strike which went high into the air for Philippa Lacroix to reverse stick tap it into the back of the net as it fell back to the ground.

The second-half saw sustained Forest pressure with Ayleen Duske lifting the ball into the net for Forest’s third goal. Anderson then calmly set up Gillian Fraser to score the fourth, when Duske’s saved penalty corner strike rebounded out to her.

Finally, another rebound from the busy Brentwood keeper fell to Anderson again who passed to the top of the circle for Duske to grab the fifth and final goal.

Waltham Forest Ladies first team's victory over Southend & Benfleet in Division One of the Essex league gave them the title of Division One Champions with 3 games still left to play they have an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Forest dominated the game throughout yet initially found the visitor's defence frustratingly solid. Kelly Bibbey was the first to find the back of the net in the first-half, Ayleen Duske then delivered a superb lob over the keeper into the top corner of the goal to make it 2-0, before Linda Neimantas swept in the ball from close range at the end of an impressive run through the visitor’s defence by Gillian Fraser.

A minor misjudgement in the Forest defence allowed the visitors a consolation goal. Forest keeper, Morag Campbell, had everything but this one shot covered. At the other end however, the visitor’s keeper was being tested from all angles and couldn’t stop the onslaught.

Excellent assisting play by Kathryn Tucker, Mandy Briggs and Rebekah Phillips piled on the pressure as well as the the penalty corners to allow centre forward Kelly Bibbey to net herself 4 more goals; bringing the final score to 7-1.

Waltham Forest ladies first team played Chelmsford 4th team on a bitterly cold Saturday in Walthamstow.

Forest dominated the game from the start but were slow to score despite plenty of opportunities. Philippa Lacroix eventually found the net midway through the half, when Linda Neimantas set her up in front of goal for an easy push past the keeper. Neimantas then grabbed her own chance with a close range shot that deflected up and over the prone keeper high into the back of the net.

It was a much stronger Chelmsford side than their previous encounter that saw Forest win 10-0 before Christmas, and the keeper in particular frustrated Forest throughout the game with plenty of good saves.

The second half saw Forest more composed and playing some good team hockey. Mandy Briggs, Kath Tucker and Fiona Pickup all controlling the midfield and creating a good many more chances for Forest to score. Lacroix got her second from one of many Forest attacking penalty corners: Ayleen Duske struck wide outside the far post for Lacroix to slot home. Neimantas then got Forest's fourth goal, sweeping up a rebound off the keeper from Kelly Bibbey's shot. Finally, Bibbey beat the busy Chelmsford keeper for the fifth and final goal.

Meanwhile, Waltham Forest Ladies 2nd team won their 14th successive league game which crowned them League Champions of Division Four, with four more games still to play. They beat Upminster 2-0, Sue Ogilivie and Janita van Tonder getting on the scoresheet.

The fourth round of England Hockey’s Women’s Vase competition saw Essex league division one side Waltham Forest ladies go through to the quarter finals by knocking-out premiership Old de Ferrians by an impressive 6-1.

With plenty of local support, Forest ladies entertained the crowds with some great hockey, opening the scoring after just 3 minutes as Gillian Fraser deflected Kelly Bibbey’s penalty corner shot into the roof of the net.
Some fantastic midfield play from Pauline Anderson and Rebekah Phillips kept up the pressure, and another penalty corner for Forest enabled Bibbey to power in another goal with a straight strike into the goal.

Forest held most of the possession in the first half, playing confident and creative hockey, Ayleen Duske and Mandy Briggs controlling midfield and Jo Mitchell, Jenny Todd and Fiona Pickup defending convincingly for Forest. Bibbey got her second and Forest’s third beating two defenders in the circle before pushing the ball past the approaching keeper into the back of the goal. Bibbey’s hat trick was complete after 24 minutes as a further penalty corner shot was on target flying in close to the far post.

Just before half-time Gill Fraser scooped up a rebounded shot off the keeper to make it 5-0.

The opening minute of the second-half dealt the final blow for the visitors as Bibbey picked up the ball at the 25 yard line, escaped the defenders around her before undercutting the ball and sending it flying high past the keeper into the back of the net.

Old de Ferrians rallied themselves and created some of their own pressure in the second half, although Forest looked to be in control, the visitors took a consolation goal by a penalty corner deflection at the near post. Another break by the visitors saw Forest keeper Morag Campbell bring down the centre forward in a one on one situation. The umpire awarded a penalty flick which Campbell saved with a spectacular dive to protect the 6-1 score line.

Forest will travel to play Dudley on March 14 in the Quarter Finals.

Waltham Forest ladies played Clacton in the league on Saturday and added another 6 goals to their tally.

Ayleen Duske opened the scoring by converting a penalty corner with a straight strike into goal. Another penalty corner gave Forest their second goal as Forest set up Duske again to beat the keeper.

Forest had all the possession, and Clacton defended well, but couldn’t stop Duske from completing her hat trick with a strike into goal from open play.

Forest’s fourth came from Philippa Lacroix’s cross in front of goal which Clacton defenders deflected unluckily over their own goal line. The fifth from Gillian Fraser, set up by good Forest midfield play to shoot wide past the keeper into the goal.

With a 5 goal lead at half-time Forest relaxed after the break and the second-half was uneventful as Forest failed to repeat their first half performance. Adding just one more goal as Kelly Bibbey set up Linda Neimantas in the circle to sweep the ball past the keeper for Forest’s sixth.

Action from the Clacton game: Courtesy of Waltham Forest Guardian

Unbeaten Waltham Forest ladies first team travelled away to Brentwood on Saturday, and bagged their 15th league win out of 16 games.

Forest took control of the game from the start, a series of penalty corners providing the first goal after 8 minutes as Philippa Lacroix closed in on Ayleen Duske’s rebounded shot to flick the ball over the keeper and make it 1-0.

Forest continued to create a good many more chances to increase their lead, notably via excellent midfield play from Pauline Anderson and Rebekah Phillips. The second goal came from a blinding strike straight into goal by Kelly Bibbey from another penalty corner.

Brentwood defended well and in numbers to make scoring opportunities harder to convert, a fast break in the second-half found Bibbey setting up Linda Neimantas in the circle, her cracking shot beating the keeper to give Forest a well-deserved third goal.

Another unstoppable penalty corner strike from Bibbey glanced off the keeper and into goal for Forest’s fourth. Finally, Gillian Fraser dribbled through the host’s defense, pushing the ball beyond the keeper and into the goal to give Forest their fifth and final goal.

Meanwhile the Ladies 2nd team won their 12th league game out of 12 games giving them maximum points and secure at the top of Division Four with a 4-1 victory over Upminster. Goals from Pani Theodorou (captain) and a hat trick from midfielder Sue Ogilvie.

Waltham Forest ladies 1st team hosted a wet and windy game against Witham ladies on Saturday.

Forest started brightly, despite the weather conditions, with good possession and attacking play during the first quarter.

A rebound from Pauline Anderson's penalty corner shot came wide to Mandy Briggs, her tight angled shot flying across the face of goal, resounded against the backboard to open the scoring.

Soon after, defender Jenny Todd swept up a close range rebound following another penalty corner to give Forest a 2-0 lead.

It was a promising start, but Forest failed to maintain their momemtum and looked lacklustre for the rest of the half.

Witham exposed weaknesses in Forest's game, and clawed one back to take it to 2-1 at half-time.

The second-half saw Forest play below par and struggle to find the second gear they needed, as Witham once more converted an opportunity and leveled the match with barely 5 minutes left to play. A draw seemed the likely conclusion to an uninspiring game until Kelly Bibbey created her own chance by battling in the circle and restoring the lead to Forest 3-2.

Inspired, at last, following the timely comeback, Forest shone for the final few minutes, forcing Witham's keeper to make several good saves. Although this wasn't Waltham Forest's finest hour, they remain 11 points clear at the top of the league.

Top of the table Waltham Forest Ladies 1st XI took on second placed Harlow at home at Douglas Eyre on Saturday.

Forest opened the scoring in the first quarter following superb team play starting with midfielder Pauline Anderson setting off left wing Gillian Fraser who continued a lovely passing move to centre forward Kelly Bibbey and then to Linda Neimantas in the circle who selflessly passed back again to give Bibbey her 23rd league goal of the season.

Harlow played well, their keeper blocking several goal bound attempts and denying Forest from increasing their lead. Equally, Forest keeper Morag Campbell made several key and spectacular saves following good attacking play from the visitors.

Forest, however, seemed in contol of the game and created many more chances. Their second coming as captain Philippa Lacroix pounced on a close range rebound from Gillian Fraser's saved shot, pushing it beneath the diving keeper.

Several surging runs from Forest right back Jenny Todd, and a handful of penalty corners at both ends maintained the game's momentum until the final whistle sealed the 2-0 win for Forest.

Waltham Forest ladies first team entered the fourth round of the England Hockey Women's Vase Competition on Sunday by beating London Wayfarers 5-0 at Drapers Field in Leyton.

Forest opened the scoring in the third minute as Wayfarers' keeper came out of her goal to block Gillian Fraser's shot, Ayleen Duske intercepted the rebound and struck into the empty goal.

Forest took the majority of attacking play and possession in the first-half, their second goal coming as Philippa Lacroix ran on to Kelly Bibbey's through ball, getting there before the keeper for that vital touch into the back of the goal.

Wayfarers regrouped at half-time and came out stronger but it was to be Waltham Forest's day. Forest were busy in both attack and defence. Key saves coming from keeper Morag Campbell, and from defender Jo Mitchell: her full stretch dive across the goal mouth to spectacularly clear a shot off the line left everyone speechless.

Kelly Bibbey converted a penalty corner early in the second-half to take the score to 3-0. Bibbey then added two more before the final whistle to complete her hat trick, and to end the game 5-0.

Waltham Forest are now one of the last sixteen teams in the Vase Competition. The next round pits them against Essex based Old de Ferrerians at home on Sunday 15th February.

League leaders Waltham Forest Ladies 1st XI hosted a roller-coaster of a game on Saturday against Chelmsford 3rd team in Division One of the Essex League.

Third placed Chelmsford opened the scoring within the first minute, only for the hosts to equalise by Ayleen Duske's penalty corner a few minutes later. Once more the visitors took the lead, converting their own penalty corner, before Forest again drew level as Duske repeated another corner for her second.

Forest pressurised and took the score to 3-2 as midfielder Pauline Anderson struck home from open play. The lead was short lived as Chelmsford countered with pace, and drew level when a shot was deflected by Forest into the goal, and then retook the lead shortly after by pouncing on a rebound off the Forest keeper.

The second-half began at 4-3 with the visitors leading, and stayed that way for the third quarter of the game until Kathryn Tucker beat several defenders to break the deadlock with an amazing lifted shot high into the top corner of the net from the edge of the circle.

With spirits lifted, a minute later Kelly Bibbey made it 5-4 to Forest, squeezing the ball past the keeper with an accurate strike inside the near post.
Chelmsford were not to be beaten easily though, and once more equalised as Forest struggled to keep their defence as solid as previous games. As the match entered its final 10 minutes at 5-5, Forest once more beat the Chelmsford defence as Linda Neimantas pushed the winner into the goal mouth from close range to give Forest the win at 6-5.

Waltham Forest Ladies had a great start to the second half of the season with a 6-1 victory at home on Saturday.

Twice in the first quarter Kelly Bibbey scored by beating the Thurrock keeper in a one-on-one situation, before a well struck free hit at the top of the circle by Philippa Lacroix connected with Bibbey's stick in front of goal to complete her hatrick

Gillian Fraser netted the fourth before half-time following great team play in defence by Jenny Todd, Jo Mitchell and Ayleen Duske, to set Fraser up at the top of the circle to strike past the keeper.

Although Forest generally felt in control of the game, Thurrock applied pressure and on several occassions superb defensive tackles from Jo Mitchell and Katherine McGregor brought a quick halt to their attacking play.

A fine solo run by Fraser from the half-way line, into the circle, and past the keeper took the goal tally to 5, before Lacroix set up Kathryn Tucker in the circle whose fierce strike hit the backboard wide of the keeper to make it 6 nil.

Thurrock claimed a late consolation goal when they pounced on a mis-struck Forest hit out. Forest keeper Morag Campbell was out numbered and beaten for the first time in four league games.

Forest ladies gave themselves some Christmas cheer by putting 10 past Chelmsford 4th team on Saturday.

Wearing Santa hats and getting rained on, (yet again), Forest put 5 past Chelmsford in each half, and were happy to reach double figures: their highest result so far this season. It could have been more but for many good saves from the Chelmsford keeper.

Scorers: Kelly 4 (now top of the goal scoring table - sorry Pani!), Gillian 2, Linda, Ayleen, Jenny (someone please keep her out of the circle), and in the last minute: Phil (cos we had to get a better goal difference than the second team!).

A rainy day in Walthamstow failed to dampen spirits as Waltham Forest Ladies 1st team boosted their goal tally by an extra nine goals as well as increasing their lead at the top of essex league division one.

The first-half saw Forest take a 4 goal lead, with Kelly Bibbey and Ayleen Duske claiming a brace each: Bibbey with two reverse stick passes wide of the keeper into the goal, and Duske with two superbly shot penalty corners cutting through the Havering defence.

A number of well worked team moves in the second-half set Gillian Fraser up for two more Forest goals. Linda Neimentas then struck her first league goal this season with a fierce strike into the left corner as a result of open play following a penalty corner. Captain Philippa Lacroix set up fellow mid-fielder Rebekah Phillips at the top of the circle to take it to 8-nil for Forest, before Fraser added one more and completed her hattrick by beating the keeper in a one-on-one.

Waltham Forest restored their winning form by putting 2 past East London on Saturday. Denied many times by excellent keeping from East London, Forest were awarded a flick in the first-half - converted by Ayleen Duske.

It wasn't until late in the second-half that Forest added their second: Jenny Todd at right-back began the move, with a great pass up to centre forward Kelly Bibbey, who nicely set up Gill Fraser to score.

Ladies 1sts had their winning streak halted on yet another rainy Saturday by Brentwood 2nds. Forest took the lead in the first-half; Gillian Fraser’s netting a rebound off the keeper.

Brentwood equalised early in the second-half: a quick counter attack that caught Forest unaware. It seemed likely that Forest would regain the lead, having the majority of attacking play and possession. However Brentwood defended well and in numbers and despite several agonisingly close attempts, Forest failed to score.

A physical game, Forest were frustrated with umpiring decisions (yet another goal disallowed) and were certainly not as impressive as the two wins over the previous weekend, in the league and in the England Hockey Knock-Out Vase competition beating Marden Russets 8-1.

However, they remain unbeaten and at the top of the league. Next week they face local rivals East London who are in third place in the league.

Waltham Forest won their seventh successive league game on Saturday.

Forest started slowly on a wet day in Southend, Kelly Bibbey opened the scoring after about 18 minutes.

Defender Jenny Todd made it 2-0 before half-time as she came up to the circle to score her first goal for Forest.

It was, however, to be Kelly Bibbey's day and she added another 5 goals in the second half. Pauline Anderson also scored her first goal for Forest this season.

With a final score of 8-0 this was, without a doubt, Forest's best performance so far this season.

Waltham Forest Ladies 1st XI's sixth win of the season keeps them on top of the league, beating Clacton away in Division One of the Essex League on Saturday. Despite a lot of attacking play in the first half, Forest were frustrated not to score as the Clacton keeper kept out all but one of their goal bound shots.

Kathryn Tucker eventually broke the defence, following up a rebound from one of Forest's many penalty corners.

In the second half, Ayleen Duske took Forest 3-0 up: first a shot which the keeper deflected up and into the goal, and then a powerful strike from the edge of the circle.

Finally, Kelly Bibbey's reverse stick flick lobbed the keeper to make it 4-0.

Waltham Forest had a busy first half, with plenty of action and goals: an early goal from Gillian Fraser was wrongly disallowed for being struck "outside the circle". Play continued and although the umpire later admitted her mistake, she couldn't reinstate the goal. It mattered little as shortly afterwards, captain Philippa Lacroix struck a rebound under the diving keeper to begin the "official" scoring!

Forest made it 2-0 a few minutes later as Brentwood failed to clear the ball from the goalmouth, and with the keeper on the ground, Lacroix flicked the ball over to net her second. Attacking pressure also led to a penalty flick, taken by Ayleen Duske, but well saved by the busy Brentwood keeper.

Good passing play allowed midfielder Rebekah Phillips to strike past the keeper from the top of the circle, making it 3-0 within the first 15 minutes. Then a penalty corner before halftime, slipped right by Duske for Kelly Bibbey to hit the backboard, made it 4-0.

The second half saw Forest create many more chances to increase the goal tally. Some great saves from the Brentwood keeper Lorna Stuart denied Forest on a number of occasions.

Kelly Bibbey swept up her 5th goal of the season when Philippa Lacroix's shot lacked the pace to trouble the defence, Bibbey was there to make sure the ball found the back of the net. Finally, Brentwood couldn't stop Ayleen Duske's now trademark penalty corner strike from reaching the backboard and make the result 6-0. All in all, a good result for Waltham Forest, keeping them on top of division one.

Meanwhile Waltham Forest Ladies 2nd team stay top of division four with their comfortable 5-0 win over Havering also at home. A hat trick from Vic Cooney, and one goal a piece for Pani Theodorou and Janita Van Tonder.
The 3rd team played away in Hertford, and Dani Hardy was voted Player of the Match.

Forest took the lead to 2-0 at half-time following close range shots from Kelly Bibbey and Gillian Fraser as a result of Forest’s attacking play. Perhaps Forest got complacent in the second half as Witham applied pressure and took it to 2-1, Forest rallied immediately as Bibbey restored the 2 goal gap to 3-1, but Witham again took advantage of Forest’s defensive errors to close the gap to 3-2. In the last quarter Forest once more pressed on with their fourth goal (Bibbey's penalty corner shot to the left post for Fraser to hit home). Witham, however, refused to make it easy for Forest and a third goal left the score line at 4-3.

Unfortunately, parts of the game were marred by poor umpiring, including an attacking foot in the circle that resulted in a goal for Witham. All credit to the opposition for upping their game and taking it to the line, whilst Forest simply hung on to take the points.

Waltham Forest Ladies 1st XI travelled to Harlow for their toughest game so far, on a slow and difficult pitch.

Forest dominated an uneventful first half on a hot and sunny day. In the second half Gillian Fraser chased down a ball for a one-on-one with the goalie, getting the telling final touch just as the ball crossed the line. The umpire, however, was unsighted and gave the benefit to the defence, denying Fraser her first goal of the season. A few minutes later, Kathryn Tucker restored justice by connecting with Ayleen Duske's perfect through ball to beat the keeper at the far post.

A generally slow game, Forest created a host of chances - Linda Neimantas forcing a penalty flick as Harlow stopped her goal bound shot with a foot. Ayleen Duske took the flick to take the score to 2-0.

A third and final goal from Janita Van Tonder connecting with a rebound in the air sealed Forest's 3-0 victory. Forest relaxed and allowed Harlow more time on the ball, forcing Morag Campbell to make some spectacular saves to preserve her cleansheet. Gillian Fraser was voted Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, Waltham Forest 2nd XI turned the tables on Romford beating them an impressive 8-0 at home. Taking both the 1st and 2nd XI to the top league spot in their respective divisions.
The 3rd XI had a close friendly with Brentwood, losing 0-1 and looking forward to the rematch.

Waltham Forest Ladies First Team continued their Essex league campaign in great form with a 4-0 win over Chelmsford 3 at Chelmer Park.
Ayleen Duske opened the scoring in the first five minutes with a superbly struck penalty corner. Waltham Forest defended comfortably throughout the first half, with a slight majority of possession. An action reply of the first goal took the tally to 2 before half-time.

Chelmsford had more opportunity in the second half and Forest defended well, with Morag Campbell skillfully covering any goal bound attempts.
A third, now trademark, goal from Ayleen Duske came again mid way in the second half, putting Forest out of Chelmsford's reach, with a great field goal from Kathryn Tucker finally clinching the match.

The final few minutes wasn't free from drama however, as Forest gave away a penalty flick. But the consolation goal wasn't to be as Morag Campbell dived brilliantly across the goal mouth to cover her right post and expertly block the stroke with her stick. Ayleen Duske was voted player of the match by her team mates, and Jo Mitchell was highly commended for her attacking runs from the defence.

Waltham Forest 2nd XI earned a hard fought and well deserved 3-1 victory against Southend 3rd team in their opening Essex league game in the fourth division. Goals from Pani Theodorou, Vic Cooney and Hannah Stanbury. Forest 3rd XI also had a successful day, beating Basildon in a friendly 3-0.

Newly promoted Thurrock 2nd XI hosted Waltham Forest Ladies 1st XI in the first Essex League Division One match of the 2003/4 season on Saturday.

Waltham Forest had many new faces in their team, who settled well into the team playing together for the first time. Several early scoring opportunites came for the visiting team via Gillian Fraser and Kelly Bibbey who brought many promising moves together as left wing and centre forward.

The first goal came from Forest mid-way in the first half: Kelly Bibbey diving into the goal mouth to ensure the ball crossed the line. Forest dominated the rest of the game, but not always convincingly as the second half saw a stronger Thurrock with more possession and several attacking moves. Thurrock, however, had few shots on goal and Waltham Forest steadily grew more confident and competent.

The second goal came from a penalty corner. Ayleen Duske's fast and wide shot outfoxing the keeper for Philippa Lacroix to easily push home by the far post.

With morale high Waltham Forest Ladies made a very promising start to the new season. Congratulations to Kelly Bibbey for being voted Player of the Match.

Waltham Forest 2nd XI start their league campaign next week, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory in a friendly against Southgate's Fourth Division Middlesex team at the weekend. The new 3rd XI also had a great start to their season with a 3-0 win over West Hampstead 5th.