Match Reports 2004-5 - with pictures courtesy of Waltham Forest Guardian

Forest ended another rollercoaster season on saturday, with a tame 1-1 draw at home to Brentwood.

Possibly with one eye on the coming summer break, Forest looked lethargic in the opening exchanges, and were made to chase the game in unseasonably warm weather. Brentwood took advantage of this by scoring with their only shot on target in the first half, a short-corner strike which squeezed between goalkeeper Clarke and defender Macdonald into the corner. Forest were stung into action by this goal and started to create chances of their own, with out get the finishing touch. Da Silva in particular was causing havoc with his pace, and got round the back several times but nothing resulted from the balls across the D. Forest had to wait until the closing minutes of the half before getting the equaliser, Milanovic forcing the ball over from a driven pass across the D.

Even with the carrot of a potential 5th place finish up for grabs if they won, Forest never really got going in the 2nd half, to kill off Brentwood, who by the final ten minutes were content to pack their D and lump long balls up to their pacey striker. Forests best chance of a winner fell to Da Silva, who was put clean through mid-way through the 2nd half. He rounded the keeper, but was forced wide in doing so, and his shot from the resulting narrow angle hit the side netting.

The result means Forest finish 6th in Div 3, after a season of ups and downs, in which the team were only consistent in their inconsistency.

The 2nds ended their campaign with a 6-2 loss at home to Harlow 1sts, to finish in 9th in Div 5, which should be enough to keep them in the division (and after being rooted to the bottom at Xmas this is some turnaround). The result of the day though came from the 3rds who rounded off their successful season with a 4-1 win away at Brentwood. This was the win they needed to guarantee top spot in Div 9 and see them promoted as champions. Congratulations !!

Forest moved up one place to sixth in Div 3 with an emphatic 9-1 win at Maldon, with Luciano Da Silva leading the rout with 5 goals.

The gulf in class between the two teams was apparent from the outset, with Forest immediately into their attacking stride. A couple of decent chances went begging in the first 5 minutes before Da Silva got his first with a telling deflection off Lancaster's short-corner strike. He then got his second minutes later after good work from Tanswell on the left. Forest continued to press with their central midfield trio of Brown, O'Rourke and Milanovic dictating the play. Tanswell got on the score-sheet with a trade-mark finish into the top-corner, and Da Silva completed his first-half hat-trick to make it 4-0.
Forest then eased off before the break and allowed Maldon to pull one back after a scrappy period of play, punctuated by a couple of flare-ups between opposing players.

However this proved to be the only high point of Maldon's day as soon after the re-start their main attacking threat was sin-binned for 10 mins as his frustrations got the better of him. Caulkin made Maldon pay, for going a man down as he skipped in from the right past three tackles before burying a shot past the helpless Maldon keeper. Two more for Da Silva, one for O'Rourke, and a debut goal this season for Brown rounded off Forests scoring, as they ended the game at a canter, with goalkeeper Clarke only being called into action in the dying seconds to prevent a late Maldon consolation.

It turned out to be a good weekend for the mens section as the 2nds banished all their relegation fears with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at University of Essex, and the 3rds, after a crushing 8-3 victory at home to Redbridge 4ths, now only need to win their final game this weekend to clinch the Div 9 title and guaranteed promotion.

After a couple of moral boosting wins, Forest felt confident going into the return game against top of the table Chelmsford, and the 3-6 score-line did not reflect the closeness of the game as Forest fought back well from 2 goals down at half-time only for Chelmsford to score a couple of late goals to flatter the score-line.

Chelmsford had the better of the opening exchanges, with Forest 'keeper Clarke having to make some smart early saves, but it was Forest who could have drawn first blood Milanovic just failing to get on the end of Lancaster's deflected short corner strike. However Chelmsford pressed home their advantage when they were awarded, and converted, 2 penalty flicks in quick succession, both carbon copies of the other. Twice Chelmsford forwards rounded Clarke from lucky deflections off the grounded keeper, with their subsequent efforts hitting the covering defender on the line. Chelmsford continued to press Forest back, with Forest restricted to a couple of counter attacks, which lacked the finishing touch. Chelmsford went 3-0 up with a drilled shot into the corner, and Forest could have thought another 9 goal drubbing was on the cards, as was the difference between these two sides when they met earlier in the season. But Forest began to look more menacing and were awarded their own penalty stroke when Tanswell was taken out in the D by a despairing Chelmsford challenge, after another swift counter-attack. He promptly picked himself up and despatched the flick with ease to record his 25th goal of the campaign.

Forest eager to avenge their early season Chelmsford drubbing came out all guns blazing in the second half, and got one goal back through Tanswell. However as Forest pressed more and more in search of the equalising goal, Chelmsford were looking more and more dangerous on the counter. And so it proved as they worked the ball from left to right across the D and fired an unstoppable shot past the despairing dive of Clarke. However Forest weren't dead and buried with Milanovic and Brown pulling the strings in midfield and Caulkin scored with a neat reverse stick finish to make it 3-4. Da Silva then had a golden opportunity to make it 4-4 but he saw his venomous shot rebound off the post. Chelmsford realising they were still in danger of dropping points in their fight for the Div 3 title, then picked up their game and scored two late goals to finally quash Forest's valiant fight-back.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds were sent crashing down to earth after a fine run of results with a 9-0 loss away at top of the table Southend, whilst the 3rds clung on to top spot in Div 9 with another 3-0 win.

Forest blew away Div 3 strugglers Crostyx with a superb display of attacking hockey on saturday, and the margin of victory could have been even more but for the form of the Crostyx keeper.

Straight from the off Forest got into their passing game, and had already notched up a couple of chances before Tanswell drove one home from a narrow angle after 5 mins. Forest went two up soon after, this time Da Silva getting on the score sheet. However, Forests defensive frailties came back to haunt them as Crostyx scored a scrappy effort at the third attempt. Forest and Crostyx then traded goals a couple of times to make it 4-3 to Forest (Tanswell and Da Silva sharing the green and white spoils), before Tanswell completed his hat-trick just before the break with a bullet finish into the top corner.

Forest then took complete control after the break. With the defence looking more solid, this allowed the midfield to push on in attack, and with 4 unanswered goals it was all one-way traffic as forest carved through the Crostyx defence time and again. At times the Forest passing in the second half was a joy to watch, epitomised by Forests seventh goal midway through the second half. Da Silva, Caulkin and Tanswell worked the ball quickly from right to left, with slick one touch passing. Tanswell then fed Milanovic who had ghosted unmarked into the left hand side of the Crostyx D, who feinted to shoot past the on-rushing keeper before firing the ball across goal to fellow midfielder O'Rourke who walked it into the empty net. The Crostyx defence could only look on in bewilderment. The scoring was completed by Da Silva, who finished the game with 4 goals, and Milanovic with one.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds continued their excellent run of results in Div 5 with a 5-2 win away at home to Brentwood, whilst the 3rds clung on to top spot in Div 9 after a useful 3-0 win against Havering.

After a run of frustrating performances and results, Forest finally got back to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Old Southendians (OS). The result could and should have been more as Forest wasted a succession of chances, particularly in the first half.

Forest had already manufactured a couple of decent efforts at goal, before OS took the lead against the run of play. A short-corner was switched quickly and the well struck shot squeezed into the corner of the goal. OS, struggling at the bottom of the league, had got what they came for and decided to soak up Forests pressure whilst attcking on the break where possible. Forest, now needing to be patient in their build up, were anything but, and sloppy passing combined with a poor first touch playd right into OS's hands. When Forest did get through on goal some poor finishing and bad luck (especially when Da Silva inadvertently blocked a goal-bound shot from his own team-mate Lancaster) meant that Forest remained a goal down at the break.

Some harsh words were spoken by skipper Lancaster at half-time and Forest came out a different team for it. They finally got their passing and movement going, Brown pulling the strings in midfield with Mawdsley and Caulkin causing havoc down the wings. Forest finally got their reward 10 minutes after the restart, Hare persevering to chase retrieve the ball when a Forest short-corner broke down, and Da Silva forced the ball home at the second attempt. It wasn't pretty but, it wounded OS who were just starting to believe they could hold on for all three points. Forest needed to go for the knock-out blow as OS wobbled, and Da Silva's finishing touch to a short-corner straight off the training ground provided it. Forest began to carve through OS at will now and first Caulkin, with a venemous strike into the roof of the net, and Tanswell both got on the scoresheet to make it 4-1. However despite numerous chances Da Silva just couldn't find that finish to complete a deserved hat-trick.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds continued their climb away from the relegation zone in Div 5 with a 4-3 win away at Sudbury, whilst the 3rds clung on to top spot in Div 9 after a hard-fought 3-3 draw against promotion chasing Upminster.

Forest made the short trip to East London keen to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats had seen them slip to 7th in the table. However it was East London who walked away with all three points after a lacklustre display from Forest.

The game had only just begun when East London were awarded a short-corner. The straight strike was lifted and clearly going over the backboard before it deflected in off the Forest keeper. The umpire inexplicably gave the goal despite the protests of Forests players. Forest were still fuming from this apparent injustice, and it seemed to be getting to their play as East London took advantage to go two goals to the good inside 10 minutes from a weak lob that somehow got past Clarke in nets. Forest did pull a goal back before half-time though as Tanswell was flattened inside the D but picked himself up to duly despatch the resultant penalty stroke.

Forest, missing 3 key players for this local derby, looked disjointed and couldn't seem to get their passing going, with East London comfortably picking off Forests attacks, whilst threatening to extend their lead further. Forest held out till 10 mins to go, but could not stop another short-corner, this one a powerful flick into the top corner. Forest did pull it back to 3-2 shortly after though, Milanovic timing his late run into the D to latch onto Rupra's cross. It was too little too late though, as East London held on for a 3-2 victory, which leaves Forest in 7th but losing ground on the teams ahead of them in the table.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds continued their impressive turnaround in Div 5 with an excellent 4-2 win away at high-flying Chelmsford 4ths, and the 3rds won their top of the table clash against Chelmsford 6ths to open up a 3 point gap at the top of Div 9.

Forest played host to high flying Saffron Walden, and did well to match the visitors for much of the game, until two late strikes condemned Forest to their 3rd loss in 4 games which saw them slip another place to 7th in Div 3.

The game started at a high tempo, with Forests keeper Clarke forced into two early reaction saves, palming one undercut drive over the bar, then deflecting a short-corner behind. However he was left helpless as Walden took the lead through a deflected shot. Forests reply came quickly though, through Caulkin's effort from a tight angle after good work down the right from Da Silva. However, Forest's comeback was short-lived, as Walden were awarded a dubious penalty flick, for what looked like a clean last-ditch tackle by defender Boulton, which was duly despatched. Neither team was then able to create any clear-cut chances and so it remained 2-1 to Walden at half-time.

Walden were happy to sit back in the second half as Forest pressed for the equaliser, whilst picking off the home side on the counter. Clarke kept Forests interests alive with a couple more exellent reaction saves, as he continued to be the busier of the two keepers. Forest then had their best chance to equalise, Rupra skipping past one defender and then rounding the keeper, only to see his weak effort saved on the line by a Walden defender. This only served to stir Walden into life once more though, and two quick goals on the counter killed off any hopes Forest had of getting any points from this game. Da Silva did get a late consolation but it was too little too late for Forest, who will now also be without key defender Robert Boulton for the rest of the season, after he was taken to hospital with a nasty looking thumb injury.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds continued their fight for survival with a 5-3 victory over Crostyx 3rds, and the 3rds held on to top spot in Div 9 with a 2-0 win over East London 3rds.

Another high scoring encounter for Waltham Forest 1sts against the league's third placed team, but this time they came away on the wrong end of an 11 goal thriller in controversial circumstances.

On a bitterly cold late afternoon start, Forest caught Ramgarhia napping and stormed into a 3-0 lead after just 10 minutes. The link up play between the midfields and forwards was excellent at times and Ramgarhia had no answer as first Tanswell (x2), then Da Silva finished off some fine moves. Ramgarhia pulled one back from a short corner, but Forest immediately restored their 3 goal advantage through Milanovic, after another flowing passing move. Ramgarhia, however, are not the leagues 2nd top goal-scorers for nothing, and began to get their formidable passing game going. Some sloppy marking led to Ramgarhia pulling one back, and then 2 more quick Ramgarhia goals meant that the teams went into the break level at 4-4, with all Forests excellent early work undone.

Forest were duely shell-shocked, and tried to force the play in the gathering gloom of the secong half. However with one whole stanchion of floodlights out in one corner of the pitch, Forest found themselves attacking into near pitch black. Much to Forests chagrin, the umpires seemed oblivious to the ludicrous playing conditions and allowed the game to carry on. Ramgarhia, attacking a well floo-lit end of the pitch, had no problems in picking off Forests attacks and countering at will, scoring a further 3 goals in an unsurprisingly one-sided second half. Forest were rightly annoyed at how the game had unfurled into a 7-4 loss, after leading so comfortably in the first half, and will be working hard in training this week to avoid a similar capitulation against 2nd placed Saffron Walden.

Elsewhere in the mens section of the club, the seconds continued their push up the table in Div 5 with a hard fought 4-2 win away at Dunmow 2nds and the mens 3rds regained top spot in Div 9 after a 3-0 win over Felixstowe 4ths.

Forest began the second half of the season at home to Southend, and came out on top in a nine-goal thriller.

The opening exchanges were cagey, with the teams separated by a single point at the start of the day. But as soon as Forest took the lead, from aother well struck short corner from captain Tom Lancaster, the game really opened up with both teams looking dangerous on the counter. Southend equalised, with a well taken shot across goalkeeper Clarke, but Forest regained the initiative through the ever-green Rupra, ending his personal goal drought by following up on a rebound after Da Silva's shot was saved. However Southend were determined not to go into halftime behind and levelled with a deflected shot into the roof of the net.

The second half picked up where it left off, with counter-attack following counter-attack. It was Forest for once though who were more clinical with their finishing, and went 3-2 up after Tanswells neat finish. Cue a Southend barrage on the Forest goal, with some last ditch defending and some fine short corner saves from Clarke, keeping Southend out. With Southend getting more and more desperate in their search for the equaliser, Forest punished them once more on the counter, midfield dynamo Milanovic finishing off the move of the game to put Forest 2 goals to the good. Forest withstood another fightback from Southend before Rupra piled further misery with ten minutes to go on the travellers with a tap in at the far post after excellent work from Da Silva. Forest perhaps then got a little sloppy and allowed Southend to score two late goals to set up a much more nervy finish than they and the watching supporters would have liked. Forest did hold out for a deserved 5-4 victory, completing a first league double over Southend for a number of years.

The seconds hauled started the second half to their campaign with a much improved performance and a 4-1 win at home to Ipswich 4s, but the mens 3rds slipped to a 3-2 away loss at Colchester 4s, relinquishing their lead at the top of Div 9.

Forest travelled to Southgate Adelaide, to blow away the Christmas cobwebs against the div 3SW side. Forest handed debuts to Derk Bleeker and Tim Heffer, and welcomed back left-back Robert Boulton after his enforced 60 day absence. Forest had the better of a poor first half, and the best chance of the half to break the deadlock fell to Lancaster who`s well struck short corner was saved by the Adelaide keeper.

Forest did take the lead straight after the re-start, Caulkin slipping the ball past the advancing keeper after a fine run. Despite Forest's continued domination of possession, Adelaide had the better chances, and Forest would pay for their missed chances as Adelaide scored two late goals to sneak a 2-1 win.

Despite the loss, this was a good run-out before the league starts up again this coming saturday.

Forest travelled to Felixstowe knowing a win would see them possibly climb up to 4th at Xmas, their highest league position of the season. Alas, it wasn`t to be as Forest went down to a disappointing 2-1 defeat.

The first half was a very disjointed affair with both teams guilty of some very sloppy play. Felixstowe enjoyed most of the posession without really testing keeper Clarke, but it was Forest who took the lead midway through the half. From their first short-corner, skipper Lancaster unleashed a thunder-bolt which seemed to go through the prostrate Felixstowe keeper and into the bottom corner. Buoyed by the goal, Forest ended the half strongly and should have got a second but Rupra shot straight at the keeper with the goal at his mercy.

Forest started the second half like a house on fire and should have gone three up inside the first five minutes. First Bennett`s cross shot found neither the goal of the unmarked Rupra at the far post, and then Rupra again missed the target with the goal at his mercy. The more chances Forest spurned, the more Felixstowe sensed there was something in this game for them, and so it proved as the game was turned on its head mid-way through the second-half. Firstly Felixstowe equalised after a slick passing move resulted in their forward unmarked at the top left of the D and Clarke was helpless as he drilled it into the far right corner. Then 5 minutes later Felixstowe took an undeserved lead when some sloppy marking and tackling lead to a deflected goal. Forest pushed for the equaliser but still couldn`t find the back of the net and the final play of the match epitomised Forest`s luck in front of goal. The short-corner was worked over to Milanovic who`s shot across goal went agonisingly wide when all it needed was a touch from one of the two Forest forwards lined up on that back post. So a disappointing end to the first half of the season, which sees Forest in 5th at the Xmas break.

Elsewhere in the mens section on saturday, the mens seconds remain in the relegation zone in Div 5 after a 2-2 draw away at Old de Ferrians 2nds, and the thirds stayed in top spot in Div 9 with a 3-1 victory over Romford 4ths.

On Sunday, Forest mens 1sts also played in the 2nd round of the HA Vase, national knockout competition. They faced Oxfordshire-based Abingdon, and, disappointingly, went down 5-2 after a very open encounter, with O`Rourke grabbing both Forests goals. A big thankyou to those who managed to come down and watch despite having to nurse your hangovers in the freezing cold !!

Forest travelled to Brentwood knowing that a win would cement their position in 5th, heading a very tight mid table battle in East Div 3. They duly did so with a very professional performance against a Brentwood side that regularly pressed the self-destruct button, ending the game with 9 players.

The game got off to a scrappy start with both sides seemingly more intent on asserting a physical presence rather than a playing one. Brentwood made an early breakthrough after a lapse in concentration and sloppy marking at a free hit just outside the Forest D led to a simple deflected goal for Brentwood. The game then went through a very bizarre passage of play as the young Brentwood centre-forward contrived to get himself red-carded before 10 mins was on the clock. Firstly he came charging in on Forest's sweeper Lancaster with a knee high tackle which could have been a lot worse if his stick hadn`t been there to defend the blow. Forest were justifiably incensed by this tackle but the umpire gave the young Brentwood player the benefit of the doubt and only produced a green, but the way he was acting it seemed only a matter of time before a higher colour card was produced. And so it proved, as the forward then reacted to an accidental clash with Brown by maliciously lifting his stick into the Forest player. This time the umpire had no option but to produce a yellow, which prompted a torrent of abuse from the young Brentwood upstart, and his yellow card was swiftly upgraded to a red card, and an early bath.

With the live-wire off the pitch, Brentwood had to defend their 1-0 lead with 10 men for a full 50 minutes and began to pack their half to frustrate Forest. Forest though, showed good patience in their build up play, moving the ball swiftly round the whole pitch to open up the Brentwood lines. Forest got their first through top-scorer Tanswell. The ball was worked through to him on the top right of the D, he turned onto his reverse side and from nowhere slammed the ball emphatically into the top corner past the advancing keeper. Tanswell then got his second just before half-time with a poachers strike to finish off some fine work from Da Silva and Bennett down the right.

Forest continued their patient build-up play in the second half, and with Milanovic pulling the strings in the middle of the park backed up by goodwork down the flanks from Mawdsley and Bennett, Brentwood began to tire. From a rare Brentwood attack, Forest scored their third on the break; Da Silva`s tap in after a neat one-two at the top of the D with Bennett rounding off a slick move. By now the Brentwood players were taking out their frustrations more and more on the umpires and two of their players were yellow carded on seperate occasions for abusive language. This just made things easier for Forest who wrapped up a good win with a well worked short-corner, Milanovic with the drilled finish. So, all in all a good professional performance from Forest who were commended by the umpires after the game for keeping their heads while all around the Brentwood players were losing theirs.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens seconds lost 6-1 away to Harlow 1sts, and the thirds reclaimed top spot in their league with a 3-0 victory over Brentwood 7ths.

After last weeks embarrassment to top of the table Chelmsford, Forest entertained bottom-of-the-table Maldon, in a must win match for both teams. Forest went some way to restoring their battered pride and ran out comfortable 6-0 winners, but the result could and probably should have been even more emphatic.

Forest hit the ground running in the first half, and scored with virtually the first attack of the game. Mawdsley and Tanswell combined well down the left, before Tanswell struck a drilled cross straight to Caulkin, making his home debut, who beat the goalkeeper to the cross and deflected the ball in the back of the net. A perfect start for Forest and Caulkin, who thought he`d got a second on five minutes with a near carbon-copy of his first, but play was brought back for an earlier infringement. Forest controlled the game and spread the ball around well through Brown and Milanovic in the middle. And it wasn`t long before Forest did get their second after a lovely passing move. Da Silva and Rupra combined down the right, and Da Silva`s early cross picked out Tanswell who fired the ball emphatically, first time, into the top corner. Maldon rarely threatened, and their chances were restricted to a couple of short-corners, which were comfortaby dealt with by Forest`s defence. Tanswell got his second just before the break, popping up on the far post again to convert Rupra`s cross.

Forest knew that they could not ease up in the second half, as they needed to claw back the negative goal difference conceded last week. Maldon were no match for Forests fluid passing and movement that was so lacking last week, and Forest regularly added to the scoreline. Tanswell, having an inspired match added a second-half hat-trick to the two he scored in the first half, to end the game on five goals, but numerous chances also went begging, particularly for Rupra, who was having no luck in front of goal.

Forest will look to build on this encouraging performance as they travel to fellow mid-table side Brentwood this saturday.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens seconds won their first point in six outings with a 2-2 draw at home to Univ. of Essex, and the mens thirds continued their push for promotion ou of Div 9 with a 4-1 away victory at Redbridge 4ths.

Forest endured a horror result at the hands of table-topping Chelmsford on Saturday, going down 10-1 after a second-half.

Forest travelled to Chelmsford without striker Da Silva, and with O`Rourke and Brown carrying knocks, were expecting a tough game, but things got off to the worst possible start and especially for goalkeeper Clarke. Chelmsford scored from their first attack, the shot from a narrow angle embarrassing Clarke as it squeezed through his legs. Chelmsford continued to press and Clarke made up for his earlier error with a couple of fine reaction saves, but he was helpless as Chelmsford scored their second mid-way through the first half. Forest re-grouped and pulled one back through Rupra, who latched onto a quick free-hit from Tanswell before drilling it into the bottom corner. However, this was as good as it got for Forest who undid all their hard work by allowing a Chelmsford player to waltz into the D past 4 sloppy tackles before firing low into the corner. A poor start and end to the half, cost Forest in an otherwise fairly even first half.

However, two quick goals at the start of the second half for Chelmsford, put paid to any thoughts Forest might have had of a fight-back, and it quickly turned into a damage limitation exercise. Unfortunately Forest had no answer as Chelmsford cut through all too easily time and again to reach double figures with the last play of the game.

Forest will hope to forget an embarrassingly one-sided second half, as they go for a confidence boosting win over bottom placed Malden at home this Saturday.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the results were no better (even if the score-lines were !). The 2nds slumped to a fourth straight defeat, to remain in the drop-zone in Div 5 with a 6-0 loss at home to Southend 2nds, and the 3rd team were knocked off the top in Div 9 after a 1-0 away defeat to Braintree 3rds.

Forest recorded their second straight win and jumped 3 places to 7th, with a hard-fought 2-1 win over local rivals Crostyx 2nds. This could and should have been a more convincing win, but for an outstanding game from the opposition goalkeeper, who kept Crostyx in the hunt, particularly in the first half, with a string of fine saves.

A bizarre opening to the game saw Forest go ahead inside a minute. Da Silva, broke through on the right, and squeezed the ball through to Rupra, who appeared to be clipped mid-shot by a Crostyx defender. The umpire awarded the penalty stroke to Forest, much to the dismay of the Crostyx defence. Rupra dispatched the flick low into the bottom corner to give Forest a flying start. Forest should have gone further up, but were denied by the Crostyx keeper, both from open play and at short-corners, with O`Rourke, Lancaster and Da Silva all going close. Crostyx levelled from a short-corner of their own, mid-way throught the first half, the mis-hit shot bouncing wide but straight to a waiting Crostyx player who deflected it in. Despite this set-back, Forest continued to dominate until half-time but could not get the finish that their build-up play deserved.

After the break, Forest continued to press forward in search of the lead they deserved, however Crostyx were looking more and more dangerous on the counter-attack. Forest did manage to take the lead again with a fine counter-attacking goal. Good work down the right again from Bennett and Da Silva, lead to Da Silva`s cross finding Milanovic at the top of the D, who slotted a cool finish under the diving goalkeeper. However, this sparked a frantic final 15 mins as Crostyx pressed for the equaliser. Forest were their own worst enemy at times, giving the ball away far too easily which added to the pressure that was building up. Indeed, Crostyx thought they had equalised with 10 mins left with an apparent deflection from a free-hit just outside the D. However, with the crowd of players in the D, the umpires couldn`t see whether it came off a Forest stick or a Crostyx stick, and after consultation gave the benefit of the doubt to Forest and gave a long corner. Forest continued to ride their luck, for the final few minutes, but deservedly held on to take all three points.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the 2nds slumped to a third straight defeat, and slipped into the bottom 2 in Div 5 with a 2-0 away loss to Brentwood 3rds. However, the 3rd team went top of Div 9 with a 4-0 home win against Havering 5ths.

Forest travelled to Old Southendians (OS) on saturday, looking to get their faltering season back on track after last weeks disappointing result. The team put in a solid display and fully deserved their 3-1 win, which could and should have been more convincing with some more clinical finishing.

Forest had to re-shuffle the pack after last week, with Shaun O`Rourke returning to the centre of midfield, and Jim Bennett and Ben Macdonald getting their first starts of the season. Despite the enforced changes, Forest dominated from the outset, getting their pasing game going early. O`Rourke and Milanovic controlled the centre of the park, picking out the runs of the forwards with ease. Forest opened the scoring from their first short-corner, Tanswell`s straight strike was saved by the keeper but Milanovic was on hand to snap up the rebound. Forest were creating chances at will down the left and the right, but frustratingly couldn`t quite execute the final pass or shot. Tanswell did, though, double their lead on the stroke of half time, this time his straight shot at the short-corner deflecting up off the keeper into the roof of the net.

However, as with previous games, Forest seemed to switch off after the re-start and allowed OS a short-corner which they converted in a near carbon-copy of Milanovic`s opener. This sparked a frantic spell in the game for Forest, losing their shape and passing game of the first half, as OS pressed on looking for the equaliser. Forest weathered the storm though, and began to look like the team they were in the first half, duly getting their reward with a fine third goal. Rupra beat 2 OS players on the right, before drilling a pin-point pass to Tanswell who slotted home coolly past the advancing keeper.
This was an encouraging result for Forest`s new look team, with some solid performances from the fringe players in the squad.

Elsewhere in the mens section, a second half fightback couldn`t prevent the mens 2nds losing 4-3 at home to Sudbury 2nds, and the 3rd team got a good away point, drawing 2-2 with Upminster 4ths.

Forest stuck to their new formation, introducing the ever-green Parvin Rupra for his first start of the season, and the team started well enough. However, Braintree looked a very well drilled outfit, passing the ball round confidently which soon had Forest chasing the play. Braintree opened their scoring with their first short corner, the ball switched back to their injector who sold Clarke the Forest keeper a dummy before slotting into the oppositet corner. Forest responded well and were creating chances down, but the killer pass or shot was lacking. Braintree went further into the lead when a shot was blocked on the line, and the resulting penalty flick was despatched just past Clarke`s outstretched glove. Forest did pull one back through Da Silva, but a sloppy own goal just before the whistle meant Forest were 3-1 down at half-time.

Forest came out strong in the second half as they knew there was still a lot in this game, and pulled one back soon after the re-start, Milanovic capping a good all round display with the goal. However this was as good as it good for Forest as the freak events began to happen. First of all midfielder Chris Brown, was shoulder to shoulder with a Braintree player, and in the melee was tripped inoccuously. However when Brown stayed motionless on the floor, Forest knew it was bad, as the player had jarred his back in the fall. There was a delay for several minutes as a make-shift stretcher was brought out to help the unfortunate player off the pitch, and Forests momentum had gone. Indeed Braintree made the most of the stop in play, to get a fourth to restore their 2 goal advantage. Things then got worse for Forest when defender Robert Boulton was cynically tripped by a Braintree forward. Boulton inexplicably squared up to the player and shoved him backwards and the umpire had no alterntaive but to show the Forest player a red-card for violent conduct. Braintree grabbed a fifth near the end as Forest ended the game in disarray after the injury and sending-off.

With Brown and Boulton injured and banned repectively for a number of weeks, Forest will hope their strength in depth is good enough to see them through a tough month ahead.

The mens 2nds game was cancelled last week, but the 3rds continued their impressive start to the season with a convincing 7-0 victory at home to Romford 3rds.

Forest stuck to their new 3-4-3 formation they experimented with against Saffron Walden last week and the gamble paid off as they dominated the early play. East London had no answer to Forest`s slick passing and off the ball movement that had been so lacking in previous games this season. Forest took a desrved lead midway through the first half with Da Silva grabbing the goal. East London tried to force the play to get back in to the game but Forests defensive unit of Boulton, Lancaster and Hare, backed up by some sterling workrate from Brown, Milanovic, O`Rourke and Grobler in the midfield, stood firm. Forest piled the pressure on East London by scoring a second through Tanswell after a great counter-attack, but some late first half pressure from the visitors saw them convert, to halve the gap, and go into the break at 2-1.

The second half saw East London come more into the game and they started to pile men forward in search of the equaliser. With Forest also attacking at pace on the break it made for some entertaining hockey for the watching crowd. It was East London who took the initiative by equalising mid-way through the second half, and for a while they looked the most likely to go on and win the game, as Forest faltered. Indeeed Forest were indebted to Boulton who cleared one East London shot off the line, after a half save from keeper Clarke. This proved to be the catalyst for one final Forest charge. Mawdsley and O`Rourke combined well on the left to free Da Silva who buried the ball in the corner from the top of the D to the delight of the home crowd.

Forest held on in the final couple of minutes for a desrved 3-2 win, although they remain in the bottom half of the table with 5 games gone.

The mens 2nds lost 10-2 at home to a very good Chelmsford 4ths, whereas the 3rds continued their impressive start to the season by winning 2-0 away to Chelmsford 6ths.

Another disappointing result for Forest's mens 1sts on saturday, as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat away to Saffron Walden. As with last week the scoreline did not reflect the game, with Forest leading one-nil with 15 mins to go before Saffron Walden's late charge.

Saffron Walden took the early intitiative, driving Forest back with good passing, trying to force the early mistake. The new-look Forest back three of Robert Boulton, Chris Brown (stand-in skipper), and Steve Hare, stood firm though, and Walden's early pressure came to nothing. In fact Forest took advantage on their first meaningful foray into the Walden D, Matt Tanswell and Luciano Da Silva linking up well with a slick one-two, Tanswell finishing off the move. Walden pressed again, but found Forest goalkeeper Clarke in sharp form, and when one bullet-shot did beat Clarke the angle of post and bar came to his rescue. Just before the break Walden thought they had scored but the ball had clearly gone off the by-line before being put away. Forest protested and after consultation between the two umpires the goal was rightly disallowed and Forest remained one-up going into the break.

Walden continued to press for the equaliser and came close on several occasions. Forest again weathered the storm and could have gone 2-0 up but the umpire failed to award a penalty corner when Craig Smith's short-corner strike was stopped on the line by a Walden defenders body. This was to prove the turning point as within 5 mins Walden had levelled, and the whole game changed. Forest who had just looked to go 2-0 up were now pegged back to level, and Walden had their tails up sensing victory. Two well-worked short-corners in quick succession took the game out of reach for Forest, who by now were thoroughly shell-shocked. A late own-goal compounded their misery and completed the 1-4 scoreline.

The mens 2nds drew 2-2 away to Crostyx 3rds, whereas the 3rds dropped their first points of their season going down 2-1 to East London 3rds.

A disappointing result for Forest's mens 1sts on saturday, as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat at home to Ramgarhia. This result was all the more frustrating as Forest dominated possession for long periods of the match, and squandered numerous short corners in failing to score. Ramgarhia's first goal came against the run of play, after Forest had been camped in their opponents half for the first 10 mins. The ball broke free in the D and goalkeeper Ben Clarke came out well to clear, but unfortunately the ball was deflected to a waiting Ramgarhia forward who gleefully put away the rebound. Forest continued to pile forward and at times played some excellent one-touch hockey through the midfield, but the final pass was always lacking. When Forest did work the ball through into the D, the Ramgarhia defenders were there in numbers to snuff out the danger. The only clear-cut chance Forest had was from a short corner, with Craig Smith`s straight strike testing the keeper low to the right.

The second half continued as the first, with Forest rolling their full complement of subs onto the pitch to try and and grab the equaliser. Ramgarhia by now, were counter-attacking at will and scored midway through the second half, somewhat fortuitously, from a short-corner of their own. Defender Chris Brown nipped in to win the ball as the short-corner broke down, but then seemed to be stick-tackled as the Ramgharia players tried to win the ball back, and in the resulting confusion slipped the ball past the advancing Clarke to make it 2-0. Forest players appealed to the umpire but to no avail and the goal stood. By now the game was becoming very open and Clarke was called into action on more than one occasion to keep the score down, although he could do nothing about Ramgharia`s third, from another short-corner. Forest could have let their heads drop but showed good spirit to keep playing hard to the final whistle, epitomised by Jean Grobler's full length diving tackle to deny another Ramgarhia attack.

Forest will need to put in some hard work before their next game away at Saffron Walden.

The mens 2nds lost 2-1 at home to Dunmow, whereas the 3rds preserved their 100% record with a hard fought 3-2 win away to Felixstowe.

Forest travelled to Southend on saturday looking to prove their "bouncebackability" after last weeks disappointing home defeat against Felixstowe. Southend are always tough opponents and this game was no exception, with the seasiders forcing Forest on the back foot. Forest weathered the early storm and it soon became clear that with the pace of Greg Mawdsley and Luciano Da Silva out wide, Southend were open to the counter-attack. One such opportunity nearly led to the opener, striker Craig Smith forcing a good save from the keeper, and at the second attempt put it agonisingly wide from a tight angle. Southend pushed on again but couldn`t find a way through the solid Forest defence. This time Forest did make Southend pay, with a lovely flowing move finished off by Da Silva to open the scoring. The goal, however, didn`t dampen Southends spirits, and they equalised almost immediately, after a rare lapse in the Forest defence. The game was becoming more and more open as the half went on, with both sides going close, but it was Forest who took the advantage scoring their second just before half-time, through Matt Tanswell slipping the ball under the advancing keeper.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with Southend looking to push players forward at every opportuntiy and Forest happy to soak up the pressure and counter at pace. Smith had one glorious opportunity to kill the game off for Forest. James Milanovic broke through on the right and squared the ball to Smith, who just failed to connect with the ball, on the stretch, with the goal at his mercy. Some concerted Southend pressure in the final 10 minutes had Forest nerves jangling, but they just held on for a fully deserved 2-1 win, to get their first points on the board this season.

Forest mens 2nds came out on top in a 12 goal thriller away at Ipswich. Final score 7-5
and the mens 3rds maintained their 100% start to the season winning 4-2 at home to Colchester

A new look Waltham Forest side were unlucky to get nothing from their first game of the season at home to Felixstowe on Saturday. Under new captaincy and handing debuts to three players, Forest started the game at pace, with their crisp passing controlling the opening exchanges. Forest had all the pressure, with Shaun O'Rourke pulling the strings in midfield, and were rewarded mid way through the first half when debutant Craig Smith squared for Matt Tanswell to slide home. Forest continued to pile on the pressure but couldn't make it count and were caught by a Felixstowe sucker punch just before half time. When the Forest defence failed to clear an innocuous Felixstowe move the ball rebounded to the Felixstowe striker, who found the back of the net from eight yards to make the score 1-1 at the interval.

In the second half Forest continued to press and dominated proceedings, but lack of fitness and a reshuffle caused by a facial injury to veteran defender Chris Brown allowed Felixstowe to gradually gain more possession and create further openings. Forest were frustrated by some very dubious umpiring decisions and were made to pay for a slip in concentration ten minutes from time when a hit from outside the D was deflected in by a Felixstowe player who had momentarily slipped his marker. Forest continued to press in the final stages but were unable to make the breakthrough and will see this defeat as three points they should have taken after controlling so much of the game. Forest now travel to Southend next Saturday looking to pick up their first points of the campaign.

Forest 2nd's were unlucky to lose 1-0 at home while the 3rd team got their season off to a great start with a 5-1 away victory.

A terrific top of the table clash saw second placed Waltham Forest ladies host league leaders Wapping on a sunny Spring Saturday in Walthamstow for the penultimate game of the Essex hockey season.

It was a highly anticipated match, the previous leg produced a dramatic 5-4 win for Forest before Christmas, and Wapping, who had been on a winning streak since that first loss, were clearly determined to carry on their excellent form this season.

The game started brightly, with both sides showing strength on the ball and moving play around well. Umpiring was good and allowed the game to flow nicely and produce good hockey. The first-half saw Wapping hold a slight edge as they created a greater number of chances to score than the home ladies, but no goals were forthcoming from either side.

The second-half continued at pace and the deadlock was finally broken when Gill Fraser sped away in attack to set up Kathryn Tucker in the circle. Tucker calmly waited for the keeper's dive before flicking the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Wapping were far from beaten by a one nil lead, and it fell to the home defence of Mandy Briggs, Jo Mitchell and Katherine McGregor to put in a rock solid performance, as well as outstanding work from the player-of-the-match goalkeeper Mog Campbell to frustrate the visitors time and again.

A second goal came from midfield - Chopper Anderson on the left feeding a great ball to fellow midfielder Philippa Lacroix on the right for a run into the circle. Lacroix put in a cross close to the Wapping keeper and the near post. Unfortunately for the visitors, the keeper deflected it into her own goal to give Forest ladies a confidence inspiring two nil lead.
With around ten minutes left to play Forest were comfortably able to hold possession and keep Wapping at bay.

The result however doesn't affect the league standings which now show both teams equal on points at the top of the Premiership, yet Forest stay second placed due to a strong goal difference from Wapping. So it's promotion for the second year running for the ladies 1st team as well as the ladies 2nd team who notched their second consecutive division title following their 7-1 victory over Harlow.

The following day saw Waltham Forest ladies travel up to Manchester to play the University team of Brooklands in the quarter-finals of the England Hockey Women's Vase competition.

It was an exciting game of end to end action. The home side looked sharp, organised and above all fast, they were dangerous on the break and took a 2-0 lead during the first half. Forest played some great hockey however, and were very much in the game. Kathryn Tucker's shot was saved by the keeper only for Kelly Bibbey to follow up and make it 2-1 before half-time.

With everything to play for in this knock-out round Forest were stung by another Brooklands goal in the final stages of the second-half. A last minute substitution by Forest bought on Pani Theodorou to work well up front and some good pressure gave Forest another goal as Bibbey again followed up on a saved shot, this time from Linda Neimantas. But time ran out for the Forest ladies, and the final whistle blew at 3-2.

Waltham Forest Ladies hosted Colchester ladies in a clash which should secure Forest's promotion this season.

The home side started strongly - star attacker Gill Fraser taking a rebound from the keeper's pads to open the scoring. Top scorer Kelly Bibbey then followed up with an impressive hat-trick, ably assisted by solid mid-field play from skipper Philippa Lacroix, Ayleen Duske and Chopper Anderson.

The home side added to Colchester's woes before half-time with strong attacking work and further goals from Linda Neimantas and a superb penalty corner strike from Kathryn Tucker.

A second-half counter attack from Colchester saw them take a consolation goal from a penalty corner, but solid defence from Mandy Briggs and Jo Mitchell prevented any further chances from the visitors. Continued pressure finally paid off with a seventh goal this time it was Lacroix finding the backboard.

This convincing 7-1 victory sees the Walthamstow based ladies remain a comfortable second in the league with just two matches remaining.

Relegation battling Redbridge & Ilford ladies hosted promotion chasing Waltham Forest ladies on Saturday in the Essex Premiership.

The first-half showed Forest with most of the pressure and possession, however the Redbridge defence ably kept the visitors at bay until late in the half. The deadlock was finally broken as captain Philippa Lacroix dribbled the ball to and along the baseline for a text book pull back to set up the waiting Gill Fraser in front of goal who made no mistake in finding the backboard.

The second-half eventually provided Forest with a short-lived cushion of a desperately needed second goal. Rebekah Philipps, Gill Fraser and Kelly Bibbey combining well up the pitch to the circle for Fraser to draw the keeper and slip to Bibbey to score in front of an empty goal.

The home side however kept the pressure on and soon stole a goal back, forcing a heroic dive on the line from Forest's Jo Mitchell in a vain attempt to stop the close range goal. At 2-1 Redbridge threatened to equalise and claim a much needed point which would help their relegation battle, but Forest were to add a third goal through Gill Fraser and take home the crucial 3 points which keeps the Walthamstow based side in second place in the division with just three games remaining.

Waltham Forest ladies were disappointed to lose their second game of the season when they faced 3rd placed Old de Ferrians on Saturday in Walthamstow.

The visitors started well, with a good run of possession which finally paid off with an opening goal via a hit through the circle that deflected in from the player at the near post. Forest were not on particularly good form - not helped by the team being unusually short of 5 squad members - but managed to put together some neat hockey and fight their way back into the game.

The second-half gave Forest a flukey equaliser - a long ball heading for the back line rebounded off the post instead, and fell to Kelly Bibbey to capitalise on some good fortune and get it in past the keeper. Rallied by the goal, Forest had a string of penalty corners and a good deal of possession, but failed to add to the scoreline. Instead, Old de Ferrians made some excellent counter attacks and punished the Forest defence with two more goals. It was an even game that could have gone either way, with both sides holding their share of possession. Yet it was the visitors who notched the goals and in doing so also gained the points to close the gap behind Forest who remain 2nd placed in the table.

Waltham Forest ladies travelled to Billericay and notched a rousing 5 goal victory that helped to close the goal difference gap which holds them in second place in the Essex Premiership.

Forest opened the scoring early following one of Gill Fraser's trademark speedy runs beyond several defenders which set up Linda Neimantas in the circle to score. It was an entertaining game of end-to-end action. Billericay countered frequently, stretching the visiting midfield and defense. Yet Forest soon found their second goal when Fraser reverse-stick flicked over the diving keeper at close range. Forest converted another chance when the ball fell to skipper Philippa Lacroix in the circle who's one touch strike flew past the keeper on to the backboard for the third goal of the half.

The second-half saw Forest hold most of the possession, yet still exposed at times in defence with the home side's fast counters which kept Forest keeper Mog Campbell busy protecting her goal. Fi Pickup also pulled off a fantastic high clearence off the line to keep the home side at bay.

Kathryn Tucker shone in the second-half with two magnificently struck goals: the second took off the Billericay keeper's glove in her attempt to stop it. A series of penalty corners towards the end of the game should have increased the Forest lead, but they were denied by many excellent saves from the home keeper.
The game ended at 5 nil, and the Forest ladies were happy to be playing well and scoring plenty.

Forest ladies played Maldon & Little Baddow in the Essex premier league on Saturday, and again scraped a narrow victory to keep promotion hopes alive.

Forest opened the scoring within the first five minutes: a quick break and pass from Linda Neimantas who excellently held the ball up to find Kelly Bibbey approaching goal with just the keeper to beat. Bibbey rounded the diving keeper to give Forest an early lead and the assumption that more goals would follow.

Despite several chances, however, this was not to be the case and later in the first-half Maldon equalised with a scrappy goal that eluded the otherwise impenetrable Forest defence.

The second-half saw Forest hold much possession, yet struggling to find another goal. Tempers flaired when Katherine "Three Socks" McGregor was harshly awarded a yellow card for a stick tussle that was felt to be misinterpreted by the umpire. The card failed to calm the game, and instead incited more agression in the hosts in reaction to her unfair dismissal.

Depleted to ten players for a short while Forest battled on and when McGregor returned there was little time left and a draw looked a likely outcome. Yet with barely five minutes remaining Philippa Lacroix made a key inteception in midfield and brought the ball up to the circle at pace, passing a defender before slipping the ball inside to Linda Neimantas who made no mistake and superbly slotted the ball past the keeper and onto the backboard for the winner.

Waltham Forest ladies travelled to Basildon on Saturday. From the whistle Basildon troubled the visitors with some quick breaks and smooth passing. An early goal gave Basildon the lead and Forest a necessary nudge to step into action. It wasn't long before the pacey Gill Fraser leveled the scores with a trademark solo run up the field. A scrappy finish granted them the equaliser and a sigh of relief.

Forest didn't play their best hockey, and unnecessarily went a goal behind again early in the second half. Another scrappy equaliser followed shortly afterwards, this time from Kelly Bibbey. A good deal of advantage was played in the circle until Bibbey finally pushed the ball over the line. Just five minutes later Mandy "Randy" Briggs fired the ball through the circle and Kathryn Tucker clipped the ball to deflect it into goal for the third and final goal, sealing the 3-2 win.

It was hardly Forest's finest hour, but the win keeps them joint top of the table, behind only on goal difference which they did little to close with this performance.

Forest hosted Stevenage in the 2nd round of the England Hockey Vase Knock-Out competition on Sunday.

The hosts were slow to start after the efforts of the day before but a superb solo run from midfield by Gill Fraser took the ball all the way to the circle. The Stevenage keeper didn't react to Fraser's effort which snuck in at the far post to surprise everyone.

It was a close game, end to end action producing a strong display in defence at both ends. A Forest error at the back unfortunately gave Stevenage a run at goal and with just the keeper to beat they equalised going into half time. It looked as if the tide would turn and Stevenage would control the second half but Forest dug deep and fought hard to hold on and keep the visitors at bay.

With 17 minutes left, Kelly Bibbey was there in front of goal to brilliantly capitalise on a keeper error: the ball was cleared high into the Forest player, who skilfully brought the ball down under control to shoot past the keeper and give Forest the winning goal of the match. The Forest ladies now enter the 3rd round of the Vase competition.

Waltham Forest Ladies were looking to improve on recent performances having lost last week, bringing an unbeaten run of 34 games to an end, and restore winning ways against Brentwood on Saturday in Walthamstow.

After just five minutes of play, Forest's first attacking move resulted in a penalty corner. Kathryn Tucker delivered a superbly struck shot low into the right corner to open the scoring. The rest of the first half was full of promising play and scoring opportunities that would surely result in more Forest goals.
	However, it wasn't until the start of the second-half that Forest found the backboard again. Gill Fraser followed up a goal bound effort, chasing it over the line amid a melee of defenders to ensure the 2 nil lead.
Kelly Bibbey later added a third with a ferocious strike from wide in the circle. Finally a penalty corner gave Forest their fourth and wrapped on the win: Bibbey slipped the ball to Tucker whose goal bound effort was saved only for Bibbey to flick the rebound up and over the prone keeper and into the back of the net.

After a slow start to the new year with a draw last week, Waltham Forest ladies were looking to restore their winning ways against Havering on Saturday. After a dubiously awarded penalty corner, an even more controversial flick was awarded against the visitors. Although Forest keeper Mog Campbell got a touch on it, the home side converted and took an early lead in the first-half.

Undetered, Forest played some good hockey and the game continued at pace, but with no more goals for the rest of the half from either side.

Havering came out strongly after the break and showed more determination to win than Forest. This was clearly the difference between the sides, and Forest paid for it when they conceded another penalty corner which the home side converted to take their lead to two nil.

Forest, who hadn't lost in an amazing run of 34 consecutive league games were not finished yet however. A breakaway move by Gill Fraser and Kelly Bibbey looked certain to add to the scoring but the final shot was well blocked by the advancing Havering keeper. As time ticked on and scoring opportunties were created but frustratingly thwarted, Havering put the nail in the coffin and converted again at a penalty corner, the ball lifted over the Forest keeper into the back of the net.

With a lot to do in relatively short time, Forest clawed a goal back with a superbly struck shot at the top of the circle at a penalty corner by Kath Tucker. With a later shot saved on the line by Havering, the Forest girls were frustrated to run out of time and lose to a side that admittedly played better than them on the day.

With this loss they go second in the Premiership on goal difference alone. With nine games remaining they must improve their performance and win every one to secure promotion.

Top of the table Waltham Forest ladies met Harlow ladies in Walthamstow on Saturday and were happy to finish the half-way stage of the Essex Premiership with another convincing win.

Forest started well, with strong possession and good controlling play in the midfield through Bekah Phillips and Alyeen Duske. Kath Tucker opened the scoring early when Fi Pickup's reverse stick pass found her in the circle. Tucker turned on a sixpence in front of goal to score her first of the day.
Mid-table Harlow countered frequently, putting Forest under pressure time and again. Katherine McGregor was a rock in defence, and keeper Mog Campbell made several fantastic saves to keep Harlow from equalising.
It was to be Forest's day however, and following a strong left win run by Gill Fraser which brought play back in Forest's half, good teamwork from Kelly Bibbey passing to Kath Tucker created the second goal, and let Forest relax a little.
The second-half saw a less determined Forest side, stepping off the pedal a little and allowing Harlow more time on the ball. Despite several scoring opportunities Forest's performance was not one of their best, and they managed to add just one more to the tally when Kelly Bibbey drew the keeper then unselfishly passed to Gill Fraser to score.
Harlow grabbed an uplifting consolation goal to raise their spirits, yet Forest were content with the points in an undramatic yet important eleventh straight win in their first season in the Premiership.

A nine goal thriller entertained the supporters at Wapping Hockey Club on Saturday as the hosts took on Waltham Forest Ladies in a fierce battle for the top spot of the Essex Premiership.

Forest took an early lead when midfielder "Randy" Briggs passed to Ayleen Duske who brought possession into the circle then fired into goal. Ten minutes later captain Philippa Leguen de Lacroix crucially intercepted on the left wing, dodged a string of tackles in the circle then made no mistake shooting past the keeper, to take Forest to a welcome 2 nil lead. Soon after, Jenneke Van Weel followed up a saved shot, winning the ball back for Forest and finishing with an accurately pushed ball inside the far post.

Both Wapping and Forest ladies were so far unbeaten in the Premier league, and whilst Wapping were clearly stunned by the impressive three goal early lead they were far from beaten and a deflected penalty corner high into the roof of the net gained them a goal back, plenty of hope, and the start of a mighty come back.

Strict umpiring in the game allowed for no appeals on decisions and Forest's Gill Fraser found herself facing a green warning card before Kath Tucker was "sin binned" for five minutes with an unusual yellow card reducing Forest to ten players. Wapping took advantage and found the net again, closing the gap to 2-3 at half-time.

The second-half soon saw Forest back to eleven players, and both teams clearly hungry for the win. Wapping showed their metal and drew level with a fast counter attack, then notched another soon after through a penalty corner giving them a hard fought lead at 4-3.
Forest's Jen Toddy then made a key run from deep in defence to allow striker Kelly Bibbey a run in on goal, she passed defenders and seized the chance in front of goal to take Forest level at 4 a piece. Inspired by Bibbey's goal, Forest dug deep and earnt themselves a penalty corner. It was Duske who slipped the ball left to Bibbey whose first time shot powered over the line to regain the lead with a 5-4 scoreline and at least 15 minutes left on the clock.

The battle raged on, with Forest soaking up a good deal of pressure from a determined and frustrated Wapping side. A second yellow card was shown this time to a Wapping forward, and facing 10 players Forest succeeded in keeping Wapping out of their goal until the final whistle, making it ten out of ten wins in their first premiership season.

Sunday saw the ladies back in action in the first round of England Hockey Association's Women's Vase competition, against Marden Russets from Kent.
Forest scored in the 4th minute: Philippa Lacroix, Jenneke Van Weel and Kath Tucker all combining to set Gill Fraser up in the circle for her 3rd goal of the weekend.
A series of penalty corners gave Forest ample opportunity to increase their lead which they did via Kath Tucker twice and Ayleen Duske, both setting each other up for their respective goals. The four nil advantage gained in the first half was to be the only goals of the game as Forest soaked up the visitors pressure, and despite several other close calls, the scoreline remained the same after a less exciting second half.

Waltham Forest ladies played a double weekend of hockey with games both on Saturday and Sunday at the weekend.
The Essex premiership league game pitted them away against Colchester. Forest opened the scoring after just 35 seconds as great link up play through the right resulted in Ayleen Duske passing to an unmarked Gillian Fraser who put the ball past the keeper.
Colchester rose to the early challenge and made life difficult for Forest, applying pressure and countering frequently. A flick was awarded for the hosts for a stick tackle in the circle which Colchester fortunately put just wide onto the post.
It wasn't until the second half that Forest increased their early lead: a penalty corner produced the second goal as Kath Tucker's strike took a strong deflection high up into the netting.
The hosts however clawed back a scrappy but deserved goal as Forest allowed them time and possesion in the circle. In retaliation a strong move from Forest resulted in another flick this time for a foul on Gill Fraser. Ayleen Duske converted the flick and took Forest to 3-1. Finally Fraser got her second for the 4-1 result.

Waltham Forest Ladies notched a record 30th consecutive undefeated game in the Essex hockey league when they took on local rivals Redbridge & Ilford in the Premiership on Saturday in Walthamstow. Such a strong run of form gave the home side confidence, and the scoring opened early when midfielder Bekah Philipps linked up superbly with Kath Tucker who in turn showed great flair dodging a string of tackles to fire an impressive strike past the keeper from the top of the circle.

Forest's second came via a penalty corner: Kelly Bibbey slipped to Pauline Anderson who took advantage of the gap in the visitors defence to make no mistake in finding the backboard. Defender Jenny Todd also came close to scoring from a corner - her sweep connected with the post instead. Redbridge were rising to the challenge however, and managed to claw a goal back: one of only four that Forest have conceded since the start of the season. With half-time looming, Kelly Bibbey took Forest to three-one up after she was set up in front of goal by Ayleen Duske. Bibbey's quick reactions made sure the ball crossed the line and under the diving keeper.

The second-half however saw confidence turn to complacency and the match turned into a battle for midfield possession with few scoring opportunities for either team. Forest lost some of the fire and drive that usually animates the team and although the goal difference could and should have been greater, the three points comfortably won keeps them at the top of the table ready to face second placed Wapping ladies in two weeks time.

A cold day in South Woodham Ferrers pitted the league leaders against the second placed team Old de Ferrians.

The battle at the top saw little to choose between the two teams during the first-half. Forest's Gill Fraser opened the scoring mid-way through, but the hosts replied shortly afterwards with a breakaway counter attack and a strike that beat Forest keeper Mog Campbell at the near post. Otherwise the Forest defence were as always solid: Jo Mitchell spectacularly clearing one attempt off the line was obviously key to Forest staying in control.

Going into the second-half at one apiece Forest were inspired as Kelly Bibbey scored her tenth of the season with a magnificent solo run from deep in the attacking half all the way through to the circle beating several defenders and crucially the keeper also to regain the lead for Forest.

Old de Ferrians continued to pressure but having won the lead Forest were confident and more composed and had several more chances to score. Finally 5 minutes from time Ayleen Duske fired in from the top of the D at one of several penalty corners to give Forest that extra goal cushion and guarantee the win that takes them 2 points clear at the top of the table in their first season in the Essex Premiership.

Waltham Forest ladies continued their sensational start to life in the Essex premiership with another win on Saturday in Walthamstow against Billericay.

Forest dominated the game and had a host of chances in the first-half, yet only managed to convert one of them: Ayleen Duske's strike from the top of the D managed to elude the Billericay defence and the keeper at the far post. Billericay has a few counter attacks, but Mog Campbell admirably defended the Forest goal and kept her fifth clean sheet out of six games.

The second-half saw Forest relocate their goal scoring form, the second goal came from Gillian Fraser's penalty corner push out which went too far - all the way to the Forest defender Jenny Todd who fired it back up field via Ayleen Duske who found Fraser back at the near post to roof it into the net.

Another penalty corner was slipped left by Kelly Bibbey to Pauline "Chopper" Anderson who made no mistake in firing the ball past the visitor's keeper and make it three nil.
Forest's confidence grew and it fell to provider Bibbey to turn scorer as she first shimmed round the keeper to take Forest's lead to four and then later followed up Kathryn Tucker's saved shot at goal, flicking the ball over the floored keeper.

Philippa Lacroix (captain) made it six nil from yet another corner as Duske's shot rebounded off the pads and came out to Lacroix who found the angle past the keeper and hit backboard. Lacroix then turned provider as her long corner hit found an unmarked Bibbey in front of goal who completed her hat-trick and took Forest to seven nil with barely seconds left to play.

Next week table toppers Forest ladies travel away to meet second placed Old de Ferrians who are also yet to drop any points so far this season.

Despite a series of strong attacking moves Forest ladies looked unconvincing in this low scoring encounter. The deadlock was finally broken near the end of the first-half when Pauline Anderson superbly anticipated and intercepted a Maldon pass. This was a key move as her hard work paid off when she slipped the ball to Kath Tucker who skilfully turned on her defender in the circle to dispatch an unstoppable shot into goal.

Forest failed to add to their tally in the second half, instead Maldon showed more initiative and it was left to the Forest defence of Fi Pickup, Jo Mitchell and 'keeper Mog Campbell to successfully soak up the pressure to maintain another clean sheet.

Waltham Forest ladies notched another victory in the Essex Premiership on Saturday in Walthamstow with an impressive 6-2 win over Basildon.

Forest's pacey Gill Fraser troubled the visitors early on and it was with great dismay that she was sidelined for the rest of the game after a crunching collision with the visiting keeper. On-form Kelly Bibbey replaced her on the pitch and quickly repaid the injury by beating the last defender and rounding the keeper to open the scoring. A second goal followed soon afterwards as an inspired long pass from Jo Mitchell in defence found Bibbey up front, her unstoppable shot from the edge of the circle flew high into the net and made it two nil to Forest.

Basildon, however, fought hard to stay in the game and climbed a goal back as a quickly taken free hit from the left wing beat the Forest keeper at the near post when it took a strong deflection from their goal hanging centre forward. Forest's Jenny Todd soon retaliated with a high goalbound strike from the edge of the circle, which took a Basildon deflection on its way into the nets, making it 3-1 going into the second half.

After the break, Kelly Bibbey completed her hattrick with a superb penalty corner strike to a slipped ball from Ayleen Duske and then added one more to take Forest to 5-1. A great performance from the Forest ladies gave them the confidence to relax as it looked clear that Basildon were beaten. The battle was far from over however, and Basildon continued to counter and it took great work from the outstanding Mitchell and Katherine McGregor in defence to keep the visitors in check.

An illegal tackle in the Forest circle was harshly penalised with a flick that the visitors converted past the excellent Forest keeper Mog Campbell. A Forest attacking penalty corner a few minutes from time saw Pauline Anderson bag her first goal of the season with a deceptive shot which fooled the Basildon defence and gave Forest their 6-2 win which keeps them in the top position of the table.

Waltham Forest Ladies continued their solid start in the Essex Premiership with three wins out of three as they beat Brentwood 4-0 on Saturday.

A lacklustre first half eventually produced a penalty corner for Forest's Kelly Bibbey to find Gill Fraser at the near post and finally open the scoring towards the end of the half. Forest were more impressive after the break, adding another 2 goals from penalty corners both from Kathryn Tucker. The first as Tucker connected with Ayleen Duske's pass to the far post and the second as Kelly Bibbey slipped left at the top of the circle for Tucker to strike the backboard with conviction.

A fourth and final goal came via Linda Neimantas's strong work and possession in the circle, her slip found Bibbey in front of goal who made sure the ball crossed the line and sealed the win.

Waltham Forest Ladies continued their promising start in the Essex premiership with a hard-fought victory over Havering Ladies in Walthamstow on Saturday.
The visitors were very much in control in the first half, dominating possession and forcing some great saves from Forest keeper Mog Campbell. The Forest defence, however, were superb, Jo Mitchell and Katherine McGregor producing some excellent hockey to keep the visitors at bay. The Havering defence though was mostly untroubled and it looked only a matter of time before the visitors would take the lead.

However, the second half saw the tables turn, and Forest came out with a renewed vigour pressurising the visiting defence time and time again with a series of strong attacking moves. An excellent long pass from Pauline Anderson gave Kelly Bibbey a running chance at goal, only for her to be cruelly obstructed in the circle.
The ensuing penalty corner saw Bibbey slip to Anderson, who in turn gave Jenny Todd a close range shot at the left post. Philippa de Lacroix made sure that the ball crossed the line and gave the home team the lead and the confidence they needed.

Clearly stunned, Havering failed to cope with Forest's rallying performance and further excellent team play gave Forest their second and sealed the match when Mandy Briggs made a stunning break down the right wing finding Rebekah Phillips at the top of the circle who neatly passed to Linda Neimantas for her second goal in as many games and the result safe.

Waltham Forest Ladies 1st team started their new league campaign away to Dunmow in the Essex Premiership on Saturday, having been promoted as Champions of Division One the previous season. The visitors took a short while to find their rhythm, but gradually began to dominate the match.
Towards the end of the first half Jenny Todd made a run from defence up to the attacking circle to set up Kathryn Tucker whose reverse stick flick at goal beat the keeper and broke the deadlock.

The second goal took a while to come, despite much attacking play. Midway in the second half Linda Neimantas at the far post got her stick on the end of a powerful pass from Ayleen Duske for a deflection into goal, making it 2-0. The visitors then sealed the win with a third goal from Kelly Bibbey from one of many short corners.

A great start to the new season for Waltham Forest ladies was compounded by a resolute 14-1 victory from the Forest ladies 2nd team who were at home to Dunmow.