The Leopards' good start to the season was ended as Essex Royals won 5:2 at Barleylands.  Forest started well and more than matched the high flying visitors.  The home team looked most likely to score and did when Billy's shot was parried into the air by the keeper and Edward, following up, headed into the corner.  However, the Royals equalised almost immediately when the defence failed to clear.  At half time it was 1:1.

Liam in goal was outstanding and made a number of good saves.  His distribution set up a couple of good attacks, mainly through Daniel on the left wing.

As the game went on Essex Royals got stronger and their power and speed started to show.  They scored a second from a deflection at a corner and then quickly pulled away to 4:1.  Samual scored an excellent second for the Leopards, running from his own half, played a one-two with Jacob on the edge of the area and then finishing first time in the bottom corner.  But it was too little too late and Royals added to their score in the last minute with a well worked break-away goal.

Forest Glade Leopards ended the match disappointed but they recognised that Essex Royals were the better team on the day.  Maybe the away fixture will be different.