Away

2

4

Something to be proud of.

Forest travelled to Church Langley, Harlow to play Div. 1 side Langley Colts Youth, in an intriguing CYFL U16’s Knock-Out Cup match. Forest had won their last 4 games; Langley had lost their last 4. Despite Langley being 2 Divisions above, Forest were quietly confident that they could get a result.

Forest played their usually formation of 4-3-3. Forest had kick-off, and moved the ball forward, but it the move broke down on the Forest left wing. Langley were quick to get the ball forward, playing the ball over the top for the Langley Right-wing to run onto, he shot first time towards the near post. Elliott, in goal, leapt to his left and pulled off a fantastic save to concede a corner. It was then Forest’s turn to attack with Jack Hawthorn hitting the bar, and Grant missing from close range. With these chances not taken, it was disappointing that Forest went behind with 12 minutes on the clock. From a Langley corner, the ball was cleared up to Grant. Unfortunately Grant lost out in challenging for the ball. Forest Defence had not moved out quickly enough, the ball fell to a Langley player just out side the area. He lobbed the ball high into the net, to put the Home side 1-0 up. Forest again found themselves behind, not for the first time this season. Time for a player change, Asa was brought on up front and Jack Hawthorn moved into Midfield to replace Omar and Alex replaced Conor at left back. To their credit Forest didn’t let they heads drop and were unlucky not to be level at half time. Forest finished the first half the much stronger side.

At half time 2 fresh players were brought on Kieron and Jake replacing Nathan and Jack Hawthorn. Matt who had replaced Grant, upfront, stayed on.

The second half didn’t start well. In 42^nd minute Forest’s Midfield got caught pushing forward trying to level the score. Jake lost the ball, on the right, Langley broke forward with numbers. The Forest defence tried in vane to hold the ball up, but the Langley Left-Winger crossed the ball into an unmarked Forward you calmly slotted home. 2-0 to Langley. It now looked a lost cause for Forest. With 30 minutes for time to play Nathan, Jack Hawthorn and Grant were brought back on. Replacing Matt, Kiron and Jake. Langley had decided to take the 2-0 victory, but Forest had other ideas. With 15 left to play, 2-0 down in a Cup-tie, a formation change was necessary. Forest went to 3-3-4. Jack Hawthorn joined Grant up front and Paul pushed into Midfield. Forest were now pushing Langley back into there own half. Forest won a number of corners, and it was from one of these that Forest got a goal back. Jack Hawthorn took the corner, which was met by Paul who scored. This spurred Forest on, and they continued to dominate the game. With time running out for the equaliser, Langley conceded a corner. 30 seconds were left to play. Forest sent up their Keeper, Elliott in a last ditch effort to level the score. Jack Hawthorn sent the ball over, a goalmouth scramble ensued. The ball fell to Jack Douglas, who somehow squeezed the ball through a crowd of players to score. 2-2, the Forest Parents watching go mad, well the Manager did! Langley restarted the game, only for the Referee to blow for full time, and take the match into extra time!

Both Teams looked tried going into the start of the first period of extra time. The game was now end to end, with both Teams having chances to go in front. With first half of extra time coming to an end, the Referee decided that Tom Barley had committed one to may fouls. The game had been played in a good spirit, despite both Teams being very competitive.  It was to all watching, and Tom, that the Ref. proceeded to show a yellow card. Tom and the rest of the side lost a bit of concentration and Langley scored.  Forest started the second half of extra time behind yet again. The Team still didn’t give up, and continued to try and get level. Asa had the best chance, feed by Jack Hawthorn. Asa beat the offside trap, and was one on one with the keeper. Instead of shooting low and hard, he decided to lob the Keeper. Caught in two minds, he only managed to give him an easy catch. With Forest evermore pushing forward and playing the better football, it was a shame that they conceded another goal. The ball was kicked into the air by Langley. Elliott rushing out to the high ball jumped to catch, but was beaten to it by a Langley forward, who headed home to win the game, 4-2. Leaving a distraught Elliott lying on the ground.

When the Referee blew the final whistle the Forest Team trudged off the Pitch, to a loud round of applause from their watching Parents. Who had been thoroughly entertained by both Teams' efforts.

The Forest Team should be very proud of they performance. With Langley Colts being a Division 1 side, they were just that little bit sharper to the ball, which come from playing at a higher level, week in week out. It was a hard choice for Man-of-the-Match; it goes to Jack Hawthorn, who just edged out Joshua Ojera.