Match Reports Featured in the Waltham Forest Guardian - copyrighted Pictures

Waltham Forests season is drawing to a disappointing close. Another defeat means that they have now dropped to 5th in a season that promised so much until a few matches ago.

Forest again started brightly enough creating some chances and with Adam Greenwood and James Milanovic keeping the visitors' forwards very quiet all boded well for a home win.

Forest went behind not long before halftime from the visitors first real shot at goal as a penalty corner was deflected into the net. It got worse before halftime as the visitors went 2 up. A seemingly innocuous ball into the circle was half cut out by Greenwood but the Wapping forward nipped it and put it past the stranded Yogi Patel in goal.

The second half was a war of attrition with most of the game being played in midfield and neither side really creating much in font of goal. With a few minutes left top scorer Matt Tanswell gave Forest a lifeline but it was all to no avail as the home time could not find an equaliser.

Next week Forest have a long away trip to Clacton which always proves interesting.

3rd place in the table met 4th place on Saturday and it was the home team that came out on top as Forest produced another lacklustre display.

For the second week running Forest started the game brightly and went one up early as Skipper Chris Brown intercepted a free hit and his quick pass sent Matt Tanswell through on goal and he made no mistake with the finish.

The lead didn’t last long though and as Forest fell asleep and a quick free hit from Thurrock found their forward at the top of the circle and a neat finish put the teams level.

From then on the home team enjoyed the lions share of possession without ever really looking like scoring, neither did Forest for their part.

The second Thurrock goal again came from a lapse of concentration. The Thurrock player seemed to waltz past some poor tackles and square the ball to an unmarked player in front of an open goal who could not fail to miss.

With seconds to go Thurrock scored a third goal from a penalty corner which sneaked in at the post.

25th February 2007 HA Vase

West Wilts 3 – 2 Waltham Forest (aet – golden goal)

On Sunday Forest made the long trek to Warminster in Wiltshire for the 3rd round of the HA Vase. The team produced a fine display and really should have won the match but their finishing again let them down. As it was they lost out to a golden goal near the end of extra time. The Forest goals came from Matt Tanswell and Luce Da Silva

Another poor display of finishing left Forests last remaining hopes of promotion in tatters.

On a bright, sunny afternoon in East Londond the home team started brightly and were soon one up after some good work by Lucy Da Silva left his fellow strike partner, Matt Tanswell, with an easy finish.

Unfortunately that is about as good as it got for the forwards as chance after chance went begging.

The visitors soon hit back from a penalty corner which seemed to be going wide until the unfortunate Shaun O'Rourke deflected it into his own net. Still the game should have been finished before half time but as it was Tanswell second goal after some good work down the right was all that Forest had to show for all the pressure they had.

It was the same story in the second half as more chances came and went. The frustration on skippers Brown's face begain to show and it was envitable that the visitors got back on level terms after a howler in defence. Mark Terras seemed to have the situation under control until the keeper called for him to leave it and then missed his kick. Somehow the ball trickled over the line.

Forest still had chances to win but could not find the back on the net. So it finished.

Whilst overall Forest have had a decent season, only losing 4 matches, there is no escaping the fact that from the 4 bottom teams they have lost 3 and drawn one. Those results are where promotion has been lost

Elsewhere in the mens section it was a bad day all round. The 2s lost 2-0 away to Wapping, the 3s lost 2-1 at home to Redbridge and Ilford and the 4s went to Saffron Walden and lost 3-2.

Forest had the better of the early exchanges, and going forward the pacey counter attacking of Da Silva and Tanswell up front, ably assisted by Sendall and Brown out wide caused East London all sorts of headaches, and only poor finishing prevented Forest taking an early lead. Forest did take the lead on 20 mins through Tanswell, although this was squandered almost immediately as a lone East London forward eveaded 3 Forest defenders before rounding Clarke in goal to score. Forest came back strongly though and after good work from Tanswell down the left his cross was converted spectacuarly by a full length diving Mark Terras for his first goal for the first team.

2-1 up at half time soon became 3-1 as Tanswell got his second, but then East London started to turn the screw as they pressed Forest into continued mistakes, and forced short corner after short corner at one point enjoying 8 on the bounce. Somehow through a combination of excellent defending from the back 4 of Boulton, Lyons, McGuinness and Terras and some solid saves from Clarke, Forest kept East London at bay. It was all one-way traffic though and it seemed only a matter of time before East London pulled one back, which they did from their umpteenth short corner. Forest weathered more East London pressure, before substitute Wheeler jinked past his marker wide on the left with 7 mins to go, to create a breakaway from nothing. His through ball found Da Silva, who slipped the ball back inside to Tanswell who finished with his trademark sweep into the roof of the net. Forest though must have still been celebrating as East London restarted the game, and allowed their skillful center mid to waltz through the whole team from the push back, before slipping the ball inside for the center forward to finish off rom close range to make it 4-3 with 5 mins to go. East London pressed for all they were worth but Forest literally hung on to record a hard fought victory, which still just about keeps them in with a shout of promotion.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds lost 3-2 to Colchester 3rds, the 3rds maintained their recent reurgence with a 5-2 victory over Brentwood 4ths, and the 4ths ran out 4-1 winners against Upminster 5ths.

Forest hit finally hit form this week after some stuttering performances around the Xmas break. A comprehensive 4-0 win was tied up after just 10 mins as Foret raced into a 3-0 lead, courtesy of some goals from Tanswell, Wilby and Da Silva. Wilby's goal capped a great all round, industrious display in the centre of the park. Forest continued to pile on the pressure in the first half, as Forest's defence were relatively untroubled, but 3-0 it remained at half time.

Into the second half, and Upminster came back into the game, but Forest's defence, well marshalled by Clarke in goal held firm to record their first (long overdue) clean sheet of the season. Substitute Dickie Wheeler got the fourth for Forest in an emphatic win, avenging the controversially replayed defeat before Xmas.

On sunday Forest's 1st XI also played in the second round of the HA Vase, national knockout competition, and came out 4-2 winners against a very strong Alton team, who are curerently flying high in the Hampshire league. In a competition where Forest will be looking to improve on their quarter final appearance of last season, they had to come from behind twice against Alton but goals from Wheeler x2, O'Rourke and Tanswell saw Forest through to the third round where they face a long trip to West Wilts in 3 weeks time.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds lost 5-3 to top of the table East London 2nds, the 3rds got a decisive 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Romford 2nds, and the 4ths ran out comfortable 8-1 winners against Southend 4ths.

Dummow started the match with only 10 men, and Forest attacked from the off. Da Silva, returning to the team after last week's absence fired a blistering shot past the Dunmow keeper, only to see it crash against the post. Forest continued to apply the pressure, with Tanswell and Da Silva to the fore of most of Forest's attacking moves. However Dunmow were packing the defence and when Forest did fashion shots on goal the Dunmow keeper was in no mood for generosity as he saved shot after shot. Dunmow had some pace and skill of their own up front and looked dangerous on the break, but Forest's defence held firm when called into action.

Tanswell had Forest's best chance to take the lead in the first half when Brown's cross found him totally unmarked in the middle of the D, but he could only put his rushed shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

Going into the second half, and Forest were thinking they should have had the game sewn up already with the amount of chances they had created, and it looked like they could live to rue their profligacy in front of goal. Dunmow were back up to 11 players for the second half and straight from the push back, carved through the Forest defence to force a short corner (a wake up call to the green and white if ever there was one) but the chance was wasted. The game was real end to end stuff now, as Dunmow sensed they could snatch a win after riding the storm of the first half. However it was Forest who deservedly took the lead albeit with a fortuitous goal. Da Silva picked the ball up on the half way line after a Dunmow attack broke down, and he fired an early cross-field ball to Tanswell on the top of the D. However his first touch was poor and his shooting chance had gone, but he managed to recycle the ball to Dickie Wheeler, whose wild shot was going wide until Da Silva lurking at the back post, instinctively deflected it in. Dunmow struck back almost immediately though off a well worked short corner, switched wide and back into the middle before being despatched low into the corner.

And somehow, it stayed at 1-1, as the game got more and more stretched. Forest thought they had the game won with 10 to go when first Tanswell then Wheeler had shots saved on the line in a mad goalmouth scramble. Then with 5 to go, Forest did finally get that crucial second goal, Da Silva firing in a short-corner off the keepers pads into the roof of the net. and they just about hung on for a crucial 3 points.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2nds lost 3-1 to Upminster, the 3rds lost 11-0 to top of the table Thurrock 2nds, and the 4ths match was postponed.

After last week's storming comeback to draw against table-topping Braintree, Forest continued their fine form with an excellent 4-2 victory against their historical bogey team Ramgarhia. Matt Tanswell ended his goal drought with two welcome goals, with newcomer Richard Wheeler getting the other two.

Ramgarhia definitely started the brighter of the two teams, and took an early lead inside 5 mins, the Forest defence looking all at sea allowing the tricky Ramgarhia forward time and space at the top of the D to rifle an unstoppable shot high into the top corner. For the next 20 mins it was all Ramgarhia, as Forest strugggled to get to grips with the pace of the game. Some smart saves from Clarke in the Forest nets kept Ramgarhia at bay, and then against the run of play, Forest scored a great conter-attacking goal. O'Rourke took a quick 16 yard hit to Brown out wide who shipped the ball quickly onto Da Silva, his pace took him past one defender before firing a cross to the unmarked Tanswell for his trademark swept finish at the far post. Ramgarhia were just coming to terms with this shock riposte from Forest when they scored another, another cross from Da Silva from out wide on the right, was only half stopped by a Ramgarhia defender, and the ball fell nicely to the on-rushing Wheeler who cracked a low shot into the bottom corner.

A 2-1 lead at half-time was an excellent scoreline for Forest considering the pressure they were under at the start of the match, but it was by no means over, as Forest had thrown away bigger leads than this against Ramgarhia in the past. Today though Forest's defence held firm, with Ramgarhia's frequent attacks repelled by the excellent back four of Forest (Boulton, Terris, McGuinness and Lyons), marshalled by Clarke in goal. Another break-away goal effectively sealed the points for Forest. Tanswell this time released Da Silva's through the middle, who after beating the last man, found himself one on one with the keeper. His shot was well saved, but Wheeler was on hand again to fire in the rebound. The fourth goal was the icing on the cake for Forest, with a flowing 15 pass move across the full length of the pitch, finished off by Tanswell for his second of the match. Ramgarhia hit a late consolation with 2 mins remaining but it was too little too late as Forest hung on for a well earned victory.

A win in their final re-arranged game before the Xmas break will see Forest in a healthy 4th place, only 2 points off the promotion places

Elsewhere in the mens section, the 2nds won 4-1 against Maldon and Little Baddow 2nds, the 3rds also won 4-1 against Maldon and Little Baddow 3rds, and the 4ths lost 3-1 but in a much improved performance against table topping Wapping 7ths.

After last weeks disappointing result, Forest were looking for a much improved performance against the league leaders.

The early signs were not good as Forest started as they finished last week, badly. They continued making basic errors and it appeared that they had never played together before.

10 minutes in and Braintree won themselves a penalty corner which keeper Ben Clarke saved only for the Braintree forward to be the first to react and finished easily. This was a sign of things to come as every short corner the home team got looked dangerous and it was no surprise when they score 2 more before half time.

3-0 down at half time. The performance had so many bad points that half time would have needed to be extended for Captain Chris Brown to put everything right. Whatever was said seem to have the right effect as within 30 seconds of the restart Forest had scored. Luciano Da Silva picked up a through ball and left the keeper on his back as he walked it into an empty goal.

3-1 and Forest were right back in it but just when they seemed to be getting the upper hand a Braintree cross was somewhat luckily deflected by a despairing Clarke in the Forest goal.

This just seemed to spur the visitor even more and when Da Silva got his second from a penalty corner a comeback seemed on the cards. A third quickly followed, again by Da Silva, from a Brown cross. Forest were in the ascendancy and the equaliser was no surprise, Da Silva getting his fourth of the match.

With 5 minutes left and Forest pushing for the winner Braintree scored their 4th penalty corner and it appeared that all Forest’s good work had been undone. But there was joy in he Forest ranks when Da Silva rounded off a good day with his fifth goal.

After last weeks good win it was back down to earth with a bump for Forest Mens 1st XI. Against a physical Brentwood team nothing seemed to go right and the home team put in there worst performance for a long time.

Forest started well enough and dominated possession without really creating any clear cut chances. The few chances that did fall the way of Forest were easily saved by the visiting keeper. Even with Forest playing badly Brentwood did not really create anything themselves until half way through he first half their centre broke though on the right hand side of the circle and Yogi Patel in the Forest goal seemed glued to the spot like a rabbit in the headlights. This allowed the Brentwood forward to almost walk the ball into the goal. 1-0 Brentwood. After that the game turned into a midfield battle with some tough tackling from both sides and very few chances were created by either team. Forest became more and more frustrated by some of the oppositions tactics but can only have themselves to blame as time and time again they tried to dribble around 3 or 4 opponents only to end up on the floor.

At halftime Captain Chris Brown urged his team to get back to basics and concentrate on moving the ball around quickly. This seemed to fall on deaf ears as the second half started as the first ended and the home team seemed to start losing their discipline and complaining at every decision the umpires made. With 10 minutes left the visitors sealed all 3 points. A shot from the top of the circle somehow found its way into the top corned via the Forest keepers foot. 2-0 Brentwood. As the final whistle blew the home team trudged off disappointed knowing that this should have been 3 points in the bag against a team below them in the table.

After a lecture from the Captain some of the team will be nervously looking at the teamsheet this week to see if they have kept their place in the team for the trip away to league leaders Braintree next week

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2s won 3-1 away to Havering and the 3s won 3-0 at home to Marconi

Another hard fought win for Forest leaves then on the tails of the leaders in Division 3SE.

Forest knew they would be in for a hard match against the well organised visitors, who also always seem to have a lot of help from their umpire, and could scarcely believe their luck when after just 5 minutes they went a goal up. Some good work by Luciano Da Silva down the right left James Wilby unmarked at the top of the circle and he produced an inch perfect finish which left the keeper with no chance.

Forest were dominant and the only chances the visitors were getting were from some dubious umpiring decisions who seem to be giving penalty corners whenever Clacton got near the circle. It was no surprise when Forest when 2 up. A well struck short corner from Da Silva was saved by the keeper but the rebound found its way back to Da Silva at the top of the circle who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

The half-time talk from Skipper Chris Brown focussed on staying calm and keep doing the basics right.

The second half was a bit more even with both teams creating chances but some excellent defending by Richard Lyons and Robert Boulton kept the scoreline at 2-0. At the other end the Forest forwards will be disappointed with some of their wayward finishing.

10 mins from time Clacton got a lifeline. The ball ping-ponged around the circle and eventually found its way to the visitors playmaker who squeezed it past Ben Clarke in the Forest goal. With 5 minutes to go Da Silva had a chance to seal all 3 points but produced another disappointing finish to allow the keeper to easily save.

Clacton had a couple more penalty corners at the end which were easily repelled as Forest hung on to collect a valuable 3 points.

It was a successful day for the other mens teams as well as all collected the maximum 3 points. The 2s won 11-0 against Braintree, the 3s won 7-2 against Witham and the 4s won 2-1 against Upminster

After last week's poor 1-1 draw, Forest will be happier with this 1-1 draw against a strong Wapping side with O'Rourke capping a fine all round display with the goal for Forest.

Quality wise this was probably the best game of hockey Forest have played in this season, with both teams wanting to go forward at every opportunity. It was real end to end stuff all game, with both teams breaking at pace, and with both teams defencive lines putting in some sterling displays. Both teams had a couple of chances each before Wapping opened the scoring. Forest again will feel that they did not get the rub of the green in conceding this goal, when a cross was contested by a Wapping forward along with Forest defender Boulton, and goalkeeper Clarke. Somehow the ball eveaded all three players, before hitting Boulton's foot, and looping towards the goal where it was tapped in by an on-rushing Wapping forward. This spurred Forest onto the attack, but Tanswell's and Da Silva's efforts up front just kept hitting a solid Wapping wall.

Into the second half, and it was more of the same, with both sides having chances to score, Forest to equalise and Wapping to go in front. Clarke in the Forest goal reacted sharply midway through the second period, to keep out a vicious rising reverse stick shot, which was bound for the top corner. A second goal for Wapping then, and there would have been no way back for Forest. As it was, O'Rourke, on his only meaningful forage into the Wapping 25, saw a route into the D where he ghosted past a couple of tackles, turned and finished cheekily through the keepers legs to get Forest back on level terms. Wapping then started to turn the screw, to try and regain their advantage, but thanks to some excellent defending from Forest, especially O'Rourke, Boulton and Lyons in the middle, Waping could not convert their possession into shots on goal. Forest still looked dangerous on the break, but 1-1 was probably a fair result in the end.

However, two draws on the bounce is not promotion form, and Forest will have to raise their game this coming saturday as they entertain Clacton at Douglas Eyre, where only a win will suffice.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens 2nds won 2-1 against Crostyx 2nds, the 3rds lost 2-1 to Havering 4ths, and the 4ths beat Southend 4ths 2-1.

This will most definitely be seen as two points dropped for Forest, who dominated territory and possession for long periods of the game against Thurrock, and as a missed opportunity to establish their position as serious contenders for promotion.

Forest as always started well out of the blocks, Da Silva rattling the post with a short corner strike inside the first two minutes. Da Silva wasn't to be denied though and when put through after good work from his strike partner Tanswell, he rounded the keeper with ease and rifled the ball home from a tight angle. Forest's pressing and harrying from the front two to the back two was exceptional, and Da Silva and Brown were getting a lot of joy down the right for Forest. Another break from Da Silva, after Brown did well to gain possession for Forest, led to a desperate chopping tackle from a Thurrock defender, who earned himself a yellow card. Forest should have capitalised on this one man advantage, but instead after some sloppy play in midfield and defence, Thurrock equalised from their first real attack of the game. Forest then evened up the numbers, when James Stevens bundled into the Thurrock winger, and was also shown a yellow card. Forest continued to apply the pressure once the team were back up to their full quota, and Tanswell forced a mistake from a Thurrock defender, who passed across his own defence straight to Da Silva, who sped into the D and unleashed a thunderbolt into the bottom corner. This should have been the moment where the floodgates opened, but nothing more came before half-time.

Into the second half, and it was all one-way traffic. Clarke in the Forest goal was a virtual spectator, as wave after wave of green and white, hit the yellow wall in front of the Thurrock goal. However a combination of good defending from Thurrock and some sloppy finishing, both in the final pass and in the shot from Forest, meant the score remained 2-1. Forest thought they had won a penlaty flick when a Da Silva shot was stopped by a Thurrock foot, but with the gola covered by other defenders only a short corner was given. The longer Forest failed to score the more nervous and hurried their play became, but still Thurrock threatened nothing. Then with 7 mins to go, Forest gave away one short corner too many, and conceded another sloppy goal. The strike from the short corner, was topped horribly, but bounced and span awkwardly in front of the prostrate Clarke and squirmed past him into the goal. Forest were unable to pick themselves up from this sucker punch, and the final whistle blew at 2-2.

Forest will have to be more clinical in both attack and defence if they are to threaten the top teams this season, and face a difficult trip to Clacton this saturday where only a win will do.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens 2nds lost 2-1 to Brentwood 3rds, the 3rds lost 5-3 to Frod 2nds, and the 4ths drew 1-1 with Redbridge 5ths.

Forest put eight goals past a very poor Romford side, who are languishing at the foot of the table, without ever playing well.

The scoring was opened by Lucy Da Silva who deflected the ball past the goalkeeper after a fine through ball from Mark Terras.

The second came from James Milanovic. Some fine work done the left ended with Matt Tanswell putting the ball across the circle and Milanvoic swept in and finished in some style in the bottom corner.

Forest were not playing particularly well and this showed with some sloppy defending. The Romford midfielder was allowed to waltz into the circle after 3 or 4 missed tackles by the Forest defence. Patel in the Forest goal could do nothing about the finish.

This momentarily woke Forest up and they started moving the ball around a lot better. Forest were having a lot of joy down the right and chances came, and missed regularly.

The first half scoring was finished just before half time. The ball found its way to Milanovic at the top of the circle who fed the ball though to Skipper Brown, his cross shot was deflected in off a Romford defender, Brown I am sure will be claiming it.

Brown’s half-time team talk concentrated on getting the basics right and not letting Romford back into the match with any soft goals.

As it was Forest scored regularly throughout the second half. Top scorer Tanswell scored with one of his trademark reverse stick shots. Da Silva then got his second after outpacing the home defence. The home defence then opened up to allow James Wilby to get on the score sheet with a blistering shot which the goalkeeper seemed to run out of the way of. 6-1 Forest.

Tanswell then got his second after getting on the end of a cross from Da Silva. Man of the Match Da Silva then finished with scoring and got his hat-trick after again outpacing the home defence.

All in all a good result if not a great performance and Forest will have to play a lot better than this in the coming weeks. They now have a run of 3 or 4 matches which could make or break their season starting with Thurrock at home on Saturday.

Elsewhere in the mens section the 2s beat Wapping 2-1, the 3s were held to a 1-1 draw by a high flying Redbridge and Ilford and the 4s beat Witham 1-0

In a must win game following last week's abandonment, Forest clinched an epic 13 goal thriller over local rivals East London by the odd goal.

Forest, with a slight re-shuffle in the ranks due to Steve Hare's absence with the broken collar bone he sustained in last week's abandoned game against Upminster, started nervously, and with East London pressing hard at every opportunity, possession was given away too easily by Forest in the first 10 mins. Fortunately enough, East London could not capitalise on their early pressure, and it was Forest who took the lead through Tanswell, with the first of his 4 goals in the match. East London, however kept plugging away at Forest and replied immediately with the Forest defenders slow to react to a quickly taken free hit. The teams then traded a goal each, Forest's coming through Tanswell sweeping in again at the far post, then just before half-time Da Silva scored a beauty, playing a quick one two with Brown on the right, before drilling an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the D to make it 3-2.

A goal early in the secod half from Brown to make it 4-2 (an unstoppable drilled shot from the top of the D into the bottom corner), looked to give Forest the edge, but credit to East London as every time Forest scored they almost immediately replied. This sequence of goals was continued by the two teams to make things 7-5 to Forest with about 5 mins to go (Tanswell with a cheeky reverse shot through the keepers legs being the pick of Forests efforts). Then the storm clouds gathered, quite literally, and the teams were ordered off the pitch for their own safety with peals of thunder ringing directly overhead, and hailstones lashing down around their ears. Forest feared another abandonment was on the cards, but once the storm had passed the teams returned to play out the final 3 mins of the match. All Forest had to do, was play out time, but some sloppy play from midfield allowed East London a late consolation.

Forest will be pleased that the forwards have finally found their shooting boots, but the generally weak manner in which the 6 goals were conceded will be food for thought on the training ground this week.

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens 2nds drew 2-2 with Colchester 3rds, the 3rds lost 2-0 to Brentwood 4ths, and the 4ths lost 7-0 to Wapping 7ths.

In what continues to be a very tight league this season, this result could be very costly for Forest as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory over one of the form teams in the league.

Forest, as ever, started the match the brighter of the two teams stringing together some good early passes, but with the return of some old faces the new formation again took a bit of time to adjust to, and moves broke down for Forest just as they looked promising.
However, as Forest turned the screw, chance after chance was created, but a very in from Dunmow keeper and some sloppy finishing contrived to keep the score-line level. Forest really did take Dunmow apart at times during a period of concerted pressure, both breaking quickly from deep after Dunmow attacked, as well as pressing well from the front to give Dunmow no chance to settle on the ball. Chances still came and went though for Forest, including 3 goal-mouth scrambles, and several one-on-ones with the keeper, but the Dunmow goal was leading a very charmed life.

Into the second half then, and although Dunmow threatened more going forward, the Forest back five performed admirably to keep the shots on goal to a minimum. And it was still Forest who created the better chances of the half, breaking quickly with the pace of Da Silva up front causing the Dunmow defence all sorts or problems. But the goal just would not come, and when the Dunmow keeper pulled off a spectacular diving save to keep out a deflected Da Silva shot high in the top corner, you just knew it was not going to be Forest's day.

And just to rub salt into the wounds, Dunmow scored from their only short corner of the game late in the game, and it came oh so cruelly from a deflection past his own keeper by McGuinness. Forest still created chances to tie and even win the game in the final 5 mins, but nothing was getting past the Dunmow keeper today. Shotting practice will definitely be needed before the next match away at Romford !!

Elsewhere in the mens section, the mens 2nds suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 4-1 to Upminster 3rds, and the mens 3rds lost 5-2 to Thurrock 2nds.

In what could turn out to be a very tight league this season, Forest battled to a very creditable away win at Maldon and Little Baddow, with James Milanovic and Matt Tanswell getting the green and white goals.

A new formation for Forest was deployed for this match, to provide a bit more cover at the back, and hopefully help utilise Forest's strength in pace up front. Forest again started the brighter of the two teams, and straight from the off, strung together around 25 passes before Maldon got a touch of the ball. As with last week, Forest took an early lead, with some quick interchange in the middle of the park, seeing Milanovic and Tanswell M break into the D. The keeper could only parry the initial shot back out to Milanovic who despatched it back through the keeper's legs with glee. However, also as with the game last week, Forest allowed the opposition to equalise almost immediately. A weighted through ball was not dealt with by the Forest defence, and a mix up between Boulton and keeper Clarke, led to an easy finish for the chasing Maldon forward.

Maldon then had the better of the exchanges, with Forest at times, struggling with the new formation under concerted pressure from Maldon. However, some last ditch defending especially from Boulton and Hare at the heart of the defence meant the Maldon didn't get any clear shots on goal despite their pressure.

Forest were glad to be 1-1 at half time, but knew that the win was there for the taking if they stepped up their own game, and unlike last week, this is exactly what they did. The quick passing game of the first 5 mins, came back to Forest in the second half, and despite having to soak up a lot of Maldon pressure, it was Forest who began to have the edge. A couple of robust tackles from both teams spiced things up as well mid-way through the half, but it was Forest who kept their cool to take the lead. A quick free-hit out wide on the right from skipper Brown, was played back to debutante James Stevens, who threaded a fine pass through to Tanswell on the edge of the D. Tanswell turned onto his reverse side and dinked a lovely shot over the advancing keeper to make it 2-1 to Forest. It was then backs to the wall time for Forest, but they repelled everything that Maldon could throw at them and held on for a well earned victory.

With no teams winning their two opening games in Div 3, Forest sit joint top of the league on 4 points with 5 other teams, and entertain Dunmow next week as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

Elsewhere in the mens section, Forest 2nds enjoyed another big win to go joint top of Div 5SE, with a 6-3 win over Dunmow 2nds, whilst the 3rds came up against some very good opposition in Saffron Walden 3rds and lost 7-0 in Div 6.

Forest opened up their new campaign in Div 3 SE with a tough game against old rivals Ramgarhia. With some old faces having left, and not many new ones to replace them, Forest had a fairly new look about them as they lined up, and can be fairly content with the point.

Forest started the brightest, keeping possession well on an unseasonably warm day, and making Ramgarhia do all the running early doors. And this early possession paid off as Forest took a nearly lead, with some fine build up play in midfield being finished by last season's top-scorer Matt Tanswell in emphatic style. The lead however, was not long-lived and almost with the next attack Ramgarhia equalised, a through ball which was high and dangerous was not blown up by the umpires and the Ramgarhia forward took full advantage to slot the ball into the corner.

It looked like this was going to be another high scoring encounter between these two teams, but after the equaliser, the play went uncharacteristically sloppy from both sides, and possession was given away time and again, with no real flow to the game. Tempers flared as well, midway through the first half, as Forest vice-captain Shaun O'Rourke and a Ramgarhia player exchanged pleasantries and handbags, causing a mini scuffle on pitch. And half time could not come soon enough for Forest, as the bright opening of the first 10 mins had made way for some horrible hit and hope hockey. Into the second half, then and after a stern talking to from the Forest captain Chris Brown, the Forest players tried to get back to the confident passing hockey, but it just wasn't happening and Ramgarhia were able to press higher and higher up the pitch. Only some excellent defending from the Forest back four, allied with some very profligate finishing from the Ramgarhia forwards, meant that the spoils were shared.

A lot to work on then for Forest as they travel to play Maldon and Little Baddow next saturday.

Waltham Forest Ladies travelled to BBHC for a cold and wintry penultimate game of the season. Icy winds swept across the pitch but the visitors were more than fired up thanks to a stirring pre match speech given by captain Ayleen Duske.

The away side started the game with 10 men and although they dominated the opening minutes BBHC sneaked the first goal. This shocked Forest and they were on the back foot as the hosts continued their pressure. However, resolute defending from Player of the Season Jo Mitchell and the immense Kylie-fan Ginger “Faff” Bullivant kept Forest in the game.

The visitors crept back into the game and after a series of short corners the equaliser came. Spinning around Philippa Leguen de Lacroix latched onto Jenny Todd’s square pass to convert another half chance and give the travelling supporters reason for celebration.

The half time whistle blew and a rousing half time tactical team talk from inspirational captain Duske included some close passing practice to underline that it is never too late to cement the basics.

It was certainly better the devil you know as the performance picked up during the second half. The locomotion that is Jenny Todd provided ever more penetrating runs into the heart of the home side’s defence but at times she would hold onto the ball too long saying give me just a little more time.

You’ve got to be certain of your passing at this level and if you were to put your hand on your heart Forest were almost guilty of doing exactly the opposite. The hosts continued their pressure and created a match of end to end stuff with a lot of lost possession from both sides. A BBHC disallowed goal gave Forest another wake up call and saw them ultimately dominate until the final whistle.

Kathryn Tucker seemed to step back in time to earlier in the season when she unleashed a fierce aerial shot which would have been an action replay of another goal had it actually gone in. However she should have been so lucky - the ball flew agonisingly wide.

In the dying seconds, a penalty corner was awarded to Forest. With just the corner to play out, Forest piled in the players and got the best of a goalmouth scramble. Leguen de Lacroix did it again hitting the ball powerfully onto the backboard with pinpoint accuracy to clinch the match for Forest with the last touch of the game. Final score BBHC 1, WF 2.

With most of the team at a team mate’s wedding next week, a second-team line up will fill Forest’s shoes for the last game. Captain Ayleen Duske thanks them and wishes them luck. On the season as a whole she said “We need to build on what we’ve learnt and aim for the top of the league next season. We have such great camaraderie here at Waltham Forest and it's been a joy to be captain. Such a joy in fact, that I will probably end up volunteering for captain again.”

It was a game of two halves on Saturday as Forest ladies hosted West Herts who currently sit second in the league. Although not particularly hopeful of a win against the strong visiting side, a draw would have been a valuable point for Forest, but hopes were quickly dashed within the first ten minutes as Forest leaked two quick goals.

Indeed, West Hert's slick passing and pressure going forwards made the hosts look less than average, and morale dipped further as two more away goals found the back of the net. Forest ended the half on a better note as Anna Pearson found a gap in the visitor's defence with a trade mark reverse sweep into goal to make it 1-4.

Forest continued the change in fortune and woke up to the challenge after half-time, and no doubt West Herts also took the foot of the peddle, Forest were given a chance to prove their worth. As play swung from end to end it was still the visitors who held the upper hand in midfield, yet Forest found enough chinks in the armour to reach the attacking circle time and again and keep West Herts on their toes.

Forest even seemed to play better than in recent games in the second half as the standard forced them to concentrate and avoid the sloppy mistakes which have been a recent issue. Awarded a few penalty corners, Forest finally converted one as a rebound off the 'keeper fell to Philippa Leguen de Lacroix who with unusual composure flicked the ball into the goal. Any dreams of a mighty turnaround were short-lived as West Herts notched their 5th to keep the game well and truly out of
Forest's reach.

With just two games remaining, Forest must win next week to BBHC if they have any chance of moving out of the bottom three.

Waltham Forest ladies had a battle with third placed Maidstone 2nd ladies on Saturday in Walthamstow.

The home side took an early lead following Kathryn Tucker's cutting run through midfield to set up Anna Pearson in front of goal. Not long after, Tucker's pass to Philippa Leguen de Lacroix led to a Pearson second as Forest scored again with relative ease.

It was all too straightforward for Forest, who then relaxed too much and seemed to think it would be an easy game just as Maidstone did the opposite and upped their level. Before half-time a complacent Forest had lost their lead and the score line was level again. Maidstone converted both of their goals from well struck shots at penalty corners.

The second-half saw Forest kick back into action and take the game back to the visitors. It was end-to-end stuff, with extremely fast counters from Maidstone keeping the home defence busy and some good building moves from Forest which came agonisingly close at times, but not close enough. Finally it was Maidstone who put the nail in the coffin with a goal from open play - an unmarked forward claimed a rebound at the post to take the lead.

With time ticking away, Forest just lacked the final touch. A goal from Kelly Bibbey on the line was harshly disallowed, and the ladies just couldn't find the backboard again. The lost points see them drop several places in the league, and with many bottom-half teams on similar points, a win from the final few games this season has now become crucial to guarantee a mid-table finish.

MEANWHILE, Forest ladies travelled to Kent for a mid-table clash against Bromley & Beckenham. The hosts started the brighter of the two teams, but it was the visitors who luckily found the backboard first. Philippa Leguen de Lacroix's strike from the top of the circle would have been easily saved had it not taken a deflection by a defender en route to nutmeg the 'keeper.

Forest had a few penalty corners which came to nothing, but otherwise it was a midfield battle with neither side creating much in the way of goal-scoring opportunities. The second-half saw Bromley & Beckenham equalise with a well struck hit into the very bottom corner of the goal via a penalty corner. Forest battled away and a delighted Anna Pearson rewarded the team with a reverse stick sweep which found a gap between the keeper and the post.

Forest must have thought all 3 points were in the bag, but just five minutes from time the hosts drew level again, once more from a well-worked penalty corner. All in all, it was a fair result from an evenly matched game, which saw both teams putting in some good spells of possession and some nice passing moves, but little in the way of goal mouth action.

Forest ladies hosted bottom of the league St. Albans 3rds on Saturday and more than made up the goal difference that they had suffered the week before in the 6 nil loss to the top of the table Sevenoaks. Forest were confident from the outset, and a couple of early goals showed why. Philippa Leguen de Lacroix ran through to the circle from midfield, her shot took a deflection and was saved by the keeper, but Emma Livingston-Jones was on hand to scramble the ball over the line.
	Forest's pressure in the circle paid off again as Leguen de Lacroix made no mistake and scored the second for Forest from close range. Livingston-Jones was again in action soon after with a diving effort from close range showing her outstanding committment.
At 3 nil up Forest settled back and played out the rest of the half without much incident. Typically, Forest's penalty corners again didn't produce the goods but the quality of the second half goals more than made up for that. Anna Pearson was the first to find the backboard after the break. Fine passing through the midfield culminated in her reverse stick sweep which eluded the busy keeper and came in off the far post to take Forest's tally to 4. Ayleen Duske's effort was saved soon after, but Leguen de Lacroix was on the pads to sweep the rebound past the keeper to complete her brace.

A number of further opportunities went begging as the goal mouth just wasn't wide enough for Kathryn Tucker as several rocketed shots flew beyond the target. Tucker however started and finished a great passing move from the left to Pearson. Pearson in turn threaded the ball through for Leguen de Lacroix to run on to. Tucker approached the near post just in time for Leguen de Lacroix's inch perfect cross to find her for a clever deflection and the goal of the match.

Within a few minutes Forest struck again as Pearson snatched her second to take Forest's tally to 7. It seemed that Forest could do no wrong with each and every attack producing goal scoring opportunities. Leguen de Lacroix and Tucker both found themselves with just the keeper to beat but both had their shots saved by the visiting keeper who pulled off a great performance on the day despite the goals that were let in.

St. Albans produced a swift counter towards the end of the game. A one-on-one with keeper Campbell saw a nasty collision with the visiting forward which knocked the keeper out cold for several seconds. Substitute Anna Vass took Campbell's place for the dying minutes.

That St. Albans had only fielded ten players certainly made the job easier for Forest, who looked strong but who admittedly should have found the back of the net more.

Waltham Forest ladies travelled to the unbeaten Sevenoaks 2nd team on Saturday. Forest had deservedly scraped a one-all draw from the first leg, but were more than aware their hosts would be determined to better their performance in this return fixture.

Indeed from the outset Sevenoaks showed more pace, skill and hunger and within the first ten minutes had notched a two goal lead thanks to a series of penalty corners.

Although clearly outclassed on the day, Forest did have some attacking play. Anna Pearson's goalbound shot beat the keeper but was calmly cleared off the line by the home side's sweeper. In the meantime the hosts continued their onslaught and added two more to their tally before half-time taking the score to 4-0. For the second half Forest would need to dig deep into their resources to prevent this from turning into a rout.

The second half began and the travelling side soon found themselves facing a penalty flick. Frustratingly, the umpire failed to identify the Forest culprit and unreasonably handed Jenny Todd a green card for asking. So it was with some justice that keeper Mog Campbell pulled off a great dive to save the flick.

Forest did their utmost to keep the hosts in check, but a key interception in midfield gifted them a fast counter-attack and successful strike into the goal. Another great passing move gave the hosts a text book finish from the unmarked player waiting at the near post to add to Forest's woes.

Forest had a few of their own chances and also felt they should have been awarded a few more penalty corners, but ultimately failed to find a consolation goal. The scoreline didn't do Forest's display much justice, and although keeper Campbell was under the weather, it wouldn't have changed the end result as the hosts were clearly the better side on the day.

It was a game of two halves on Saturday in Walthamstow as the ladies took on Stevenage in a mid-table battle.

Having lost the previous leg just 1-0 Forest were keen to do themselves justice and underline the return to form that they have seen in recent weeks.

From the start it was a close game. Forest were busy but possession was given away cheaply, and despite a few penalty corners they couldn't find the goal. At the other end Stevenage also turned on the pressure keeping Jo Mitchell and Mog Campbell busy until they finally grabbed a goal shortly before the end of the half. Forest were quick to reply, but Anna Pearson's netted effort at a penalty corner was disallowed.

Then came the second-half and Forest's turn around. At another penalty corner captain Ayleen Duske's initial shot was saved but when the rebound came back out to her she made sure she found the back of the net. With Forest level, their heads lifted with a new self-belief the goals started to flow.

Philippa Leguen de Lacroix's goal-bound effort was easily saved by the Stevenage keeper, but the rebound fell to Jenny Todd who found a gap at the near post for her first of the season, and for Forest to take a much deserved lead.

Quick work from the tireless Gill Fraser put the visitors well and truly on the back foot and a selfless pass to the waiting Pearson notched another for Forest.

Finally, a swift counter from Forest saw Kathryn Tucker through on goal where she released a rocketing shot high into the nets to seal the win for a jubilant Forest. The much needed points from this victory lets them climb two places to sit firmly in the middle of the table.

WALTHAM Forest ladies travelled to Gillingham Anchorians on Saturday, looking for a vital win over their opponents who sit four places above them in the table.

A number of absences and no substitutes in the team meant the Forest side was at less than full strength and under pressure to prove their mettle. Although possession mostly fell to Forest, it was the Anchorians who seemed to create the better scoring pressure, and Forest relied on superb work from striker-turned-defender Kathryn Tucker to hold things solid at the back. Likewise the speed of Clare Bullivant and composure of Bekah Phillips, both in defence, also kept the home side in check. Goalkeeper Mog Campbell was also busy saving the day throughout the match. Unfortuately, mid-way through the second-half a messy goal-mouth scramble saw Campbell stop the ball under her foot - but it had rolled an inch over the line.

The deadlock broken, Forest were determined not to let the points slip away again. The ladies turned things up a gear and were rewarded with an almost immediate penalty corner. The ball was delivered wider than usual to the awaiting strikers and Linda Neimantas used her initiative to drill home a thunderous first time hit into the far corner of the goal.

Chopper Anderson and Anna Pearson up front created a couple of further agonisingly close chances, but on balance Forest were delighted to have saved a point when it looked like things were again not going to go their way.

WALTHAM Forest ladies begun 2007 with a bang after sweeping to an easy victory at fellow strugglers Gore Court on Saturday.

Just two points separated the sides before the start of play, but with a much greater goals against tally than Forest, the visitors would have been confident of doing the double over a side they had beaten 2-0 back in October.

In the end the Forest showed no signs of rust from the festive break as a brace from Anna Pearson, coupled with further goals from Kathryn Tucker, Ayleen Duske and Gill Fraser saw them run out comfortable winners.

The ladies will be on their travels once again this weekend when they head for Gillingham Anchorians, who while sitting four places above them in the table only have two more points on the board than Forest.

Forest ladies failed again to fulfill the potential of their hockey playing as they slipped to another defeat in the East league on Saturday when hosting Broxbourne ladies in Walthamstow.
Forest were passing the ball nicely around and took a deserved lead towards the end of the first half. A penalty corner was neatly passed wide by Ayleen Duske to Gill Fraser who finished off at the far post with a text book goal.
Forest continued to dominate and push forward, with good work in midfield from Am Perry and Mandy Briggs. Despite consistent pressure in front of goal Forest failed to produce any meaningful shots.

The second half continued in the same vein until the visitors Broxbourne notched a lucky goal against the run of play. Their shot was deflected high over the Forest keeper by a defender's attempted blocked shot at a penalty corner.

Forest then lost their way slightly, and Broxbourne took the advantage at another penalty corner. A simple straight strike found a gap at the near post to the amazement of the Forest defence. Forest fought hard to regain at least a point out of the game which they should have wrapped up easily. Chances went begging at a couple of penalty corners, and Forest succumbed to another undeserved defeat.

Waltham Forest ladies were frustrated to come away with only a point from their encounter with fellow bottom-half-of-the-table Bromley and Belvedere ladies at the weekend.

After last week's nail biting 3-2 loss to the league leaders, Forest expected to duplicate a fine performance but somehow they managed to look like a completely different team. Indeed, the first half didn't see Forest's best display of hockey, as they continually gave away possession cheaply and only managed to produce a couple of narrowly missed goal scoring opportunities.

After a refocus at half-time, the second half produced some brighter hockey, with the final quarter being almost entirely encamped in Forest's attacking half. The visitors, however, had other ideas and some stout defending seemed to deny Forest's numerous attempts on goal.

For their own part throughout the match, BBHC had several close calls at the other end, and with the continued deadlock the match could easily have gone either way. Certainly, one point for the draw was better than none, but Forest were left to rue their chances and certainly need to improve as the second half of the season gets underway next week when they meet Broxbourne at home.

Forest ladies battled well against the league leaders, West Herts, on Saturday. The home side opened the scoring early in the first half following a good spell of attacking possession. Forest however replied almost immediately with a swiftly taken free hit outside the circle. Gill Fraser quickly slipped the ball to Anna Pearson whose direct hit flew past the keeper to equalise for the visitors.

Despite being the underdogs, Forest threatened with each attack and the home side were held at 1-1 for most of the match. Mid-way through the second half however, West Herts inevitably took the lead. Forest had successfully defended a number of short corners, but were finally worn down. Forest weren't going to let go easily however, and within ten minutes they had found the net again at the other end. A good move down the right starting with a cutting run from Am Perry resulted in a successful Pearson-Fraser combo again. Fraser this time ended the victor of a locked-stick battle and managed to scramble the ball over the line for another equaliser.

The home side were clearly on the ropes, and could have gone behind if Fraser's one on one with the goalkeeper hadn't been well saved. Finally the visitors were frustrated to concede a third goal and with time ticking on the clock the home side resorted to time wasting tactics to secure the win.

Forest ladies travelled to Maidstone on Saturday in a mid-table battle which saw the visitors once again struggle to score, despite creating enough opportunties.
Forest were confident having comfortably won the last two matches, but when a goal was awarded to Maidstone which hadn't been struck in the circle by any of their team and therefore shouldn't have counted, Forest lost their concentration and let the situation get to them.
Forest's Anna Pearson put one away for Forest, but some casual defending saw Forest leak another and as Maidstone dug deep to defend, Forest simply couldn't break them down. It was a frustrating game, and Forest have plenty to work on if they want to make more progress in the league table as this loss sees them slip two places to seventh.

Waltham Forest ladies showed a splendid return to form on Saturday putting five past visiting Bromley & Beckenham in a mid-table clash. In what was a real team performance, the Forest goals came about from some good team passing moves. Following some good work on the right in midfield, Amanda Willard put through a circle cutting cross which Anna Pearson swept home for a text book opening goal. Later in the half, Ayleen Duske slipped the ball left to Kelly Bibbey at a penalty corner whose first time strike flew into the far corner for an inch perfect second goal. Going into the second half, Forest added to their tally as Bibbey put a ball wide of goal for Willard to tap in. And shortly afterwards Willard turned provider again as she pressurised the visitors hit out and slipped the ball to Bibbey who dispatched a superb aerial strike past the 'keeper's head for Forest's fourth. Finally, Forest wrapped up the win with a move from Gill Fraser. Fraser's solo run created space and time for the supporting Pearson to sweep home once more with the fifth.

On Sunday Forest were in action again in the first round of the England Knock Out Trophy competition. Pitted against last year's vase winners, Forest took the game straight to Banbury with a goal inside of 1 minute courtesy of Gill Fraser. The visitors however proved too tough for the Walthamstow ladies and with an increasing amount of pressure in midfield as well as the circle, they eventually found the net twice and took the lead. Neither team was able to add in the second half, despite Banbury having a greater number of chances, solid defending from keeper Mog Campbell, and central defender Jo Mitchell, kept them in check and Forest found their cup run come to an early end against a strong team who deserved the win.

Forest ladies visited bottom of the table St Albans for a stock win at the weekend, putting a healthy seven past the home team. In contrast to previous weeks where the performances were not matched by the result Forest gratefully accepted the points while playing below their expected standard.

The game started well with a good solo effort from Randy Briggs after just 2 minutes. The home side, still shocked from the early effort, leaked another goal with a flick through the keeper's legs from the ever impressive Ayleen Duske soon after.

Cruising, Forest pushed forward in attack and were swiftly punished as they let in a now familiar break away goal. They were typically caught napping in midfield and the home side were able to bring the game back into contention.

With seconds to go before half-time, the two goal lead was soon restored by Philippa Leguen de Lacroix. Taking her tally to two in two games she played poacher and skilfully placed the ball in off the post from close range with her reverse stick. Going into the second-half, the now relaxed visitors were able to exert their dominance and this showed again with a run down the right wing from Lacroix followed by her unselfish cut back to newcomer Emma Livingston-Jones to slot home from close range. 4-1

In a game that was encamped in the home side's half St Albans kept the Forest Ladies on their toes by recording their second goal of the game. Another fast counter-attack proved too much for a complacent Forest and narrowed the gap once more.

But Forest's own pace up front from Gill Fraser paid dividends as she sped away and stretched the home defence time and again. Fraser scored her first to increase Forest's lead from a Brigg's through ball. Fraser's further runs troubled the home side and Livingston-Jones was on hand to put away a brace, before Fraser finished off her own brace with a superb solo cutting through the St. Albans' defence and sending the keeper the wrong way as she drilled home in the bottom corner to wrap up the win.

Forest climb a place in the league into 8th position, with this relatively straightforward win, they will look to improve their performance which despite the number of goals, wasn't their best so far this season.

Waltham Forest ladies were happy to secure a point against top of the table Sevenoaks on Saturday. Knowing this would be a tough game, Forest were fired up for the match and were determined to give the visitors a good display. However, the home side were pitched back in defence from the first whistle as Sevenoaks demonstrated why they are currently unbeaten in the league.

It took a fast counter attack to turn the tables on the visitors. Midway through the first-half Jenny Todd cleared the ball out of defence up the right wing to the waiting Kelly Bibbey who Forest were welcoming back to the ranks after a short absence this season. Bibbey found herself in acres of space and brought the ball into the circle for a simple square pass to the advancing Philippa Leguen de Lacroix. A delighted Lacroix slotted the ball beyond the fast-approaching 'keeper to score for Forest. The ladies were doubly pleased that it was also the first goal that Sevenoaks have conceded this season.

Although it looked unlikely that Forest would retain their slim lead, they continued to do just that, keeping their share of play and possession for the next half an hour. Finally, after a number of penalty corners, Sevenoaks eventually equalised and although desperate to notch a winner, with only ten minutes left to play Forest were able to thwart their efforts. Forest's defence were outstanding, particularly keeper Mog Campbell, and central defender Jo Mitchell who saved a sure-fire aerial winner on the line in the dying minutes.

It was an encouraging performance from Forest who travel to bottom of the table St Albans next Saturday.

Forest ladies tumbled to another undeserved defeat at the weekend against Hertford. Despite a match of majority possession, Forest could only achieve penalty corners, rather than the goals they desperately needed.

Forest started the brighter of the two teams, with nice passing and some goal mouth pressure. Ayleen Duske had a shot hit the post to stay out, and Jenny Todd missed her chance at the near post by a whisker. However a fast break from the home team turned the tables and a soft goal was conceded. Undeterred Forest continued to apply pressure, but play remained in midfield for the most part for both teams.

Going into the second-half Hertford tapped in two goals in quick succession and a Forest revival seemed more and more unlikely. Towards the end of the game, a penalty corner was finally converted for a much deserved Forest goal, but it was too little too late, and the hosts converted their own corner shortly afterwards to rub salt into the wound.

Forest ladies slip one place in the table with this loss, and face the unbeaten league leaders Sevenoaks at home next week for what will surely be their biggest test so far.

Forest ladies were delighted to finally bank some points at the weekend with a long overdue win in the East league over Kent-based Gore Court ladies. In the past three seasons Forest have lost a total of only three games, so this season's uncharacteristic run of three losses has been a real shock to the system.

Maintaining their new formation, with better success than the previous week, Forest dominated the match, putting together some good passing moves. Forest pressure led to inevitable penalty corners, the second of which saw the home side open the scoring. Gill Fraser injected the corner for Helen Morley's stop at the top of the circle allowing Ayleen Duske to pass back to the waiting Fraser at the near post who got the vital touch to lift the ball over the line.

The visitors fought back, and it took some excellent defending from Jo Mitchell, Bekah Phillips and Clare Bullivant to protect a Forest clean sheet. Keeper Mog Campbell gave her usual solid performance making several key saves.

Going into the second-half Forest ladies couldn't relax with such a slim lead and nerves were certainly on edge. With about ten minutes to go Forest finally got the goal cushion they desperately needed as Anna Pearson deflected Jenny Todd's pass onto a visiting defender who hit into her own net. This win lifts Forest from the bottom of Div 2 into 8th place, and they will hope to build on this when they meet 3rd placed Hertford next week.

Yet to notch any points this season Forest ladies endured another closely fought contest, this week away in Stevenage. Trying out a new formation the visitors took a short while to settle in the first-half, but soon began to play a nice passing game putting the hosts under a great deal of pressure. Gill Fraser's pacey attacks worried the hosts defence time and again. Anna Pearson shot wide and Philippa Leguen de Lacroix's shot was straight at the keeper. Despite being awarded several penalties corners during the game, Forest just couldn't find the back of the net.

At the other end, Forest defence were quick to keep the home side at bay, Jo Mitchell and Bekah Phillips defending well with Mog Campbell in goal denying the Stevenage forwards. It was undeniably a close game but it was Stevenage who finally broke the deadlock mid-way through the second-half. Forest fought hard until the final whistle, creating several half-chances to equalise but failed to convert them. Despite the loss, Forest can take heart that they produced a strong performance in a game which could just as easily have gone their way - it is just the goal scoring which temporarily elludes them.

It was another testing match for the newly promoted Waltham Forest ladies in the East League on Saturday. An impressive start saw Forest dominate the match, with the majority of possession and a handful of scoring chances. It was Anna Pearson who found the backboard with a reverse stick sweep to open the scoring early in the first-half for Forest.

The tables then turned however and the visitors visibly rallied when they broke free in the circle to equalise. It was the home side who then took a back seat and seemed to struggle to contain the visiting side. Gillingham were rewarded with another goal shortly before half-time, and an injury-struck Forest team were frustrated not to keep possession or create any further opportunities for a spell.

The visitors found the back of the net early in the second-half to take the score to 1-3. Despite the scoreline, Forest were never out of the match, although it wasn’t until the final quarter that Forest came close to scoring. With Jenny Todd going forwards and some excellent link-up play from midfielders Helen Morley, Rebekah Phillips and captain Ayleen Duske, the hosts finally showed that they were more than a match for their opponents. Mandy Briggs had a shot saved for Philippa Leguen de Lacroix to pounce on the rebound, but her follow up went just wide. Such an incident was typical of the match where despite a number of great moves at both the start and end, the home side simply ran out of time to add any more goals to their scoreline. Forest can take heart however, that on balance it was an even game, and their luck for this new season is surely about to change when they visit Stevenage at the weekend.