The game started after a lot of rain during the week and on the morning before the kick off. The pitch was heavy, and especially muddy in both penalty boxes and down the middle of the pitch.

Forest Glade started brightly. After 10 minutes, Shaun broke down the left to the edge of the penalty box. He crossed the ball with his left foot. The ball went between the goalkeeper and the defenders and Max was perfectly placed to tap the ball in. The pitch was stifling creative play but still both teams created a number of attacks. Echo took the initiative winning more of the 50/50 balls and soon managed to equalise after a defensive mistake by Forest Glade.  Soon after, there was a goal mouth scramble in Forest Glade’s penalty box. After 4 or 5 attempted clearances, an Echo player struck the ball cleany past Oliver leaving him with no chance. Just before half time, Echo attacked again. Forest Glade made another poor defensive clearance and Echo scored a third. The half time score was 3 – 1.

With 6 minutes to go it was still 3 – 2 to Echo. Forest Glade supporters were beginning to think it was not going to be their day, despite the constant pressure. Then Robert decided to have a go running down the left. He beat one defender and then poked the ball past a second. He looked up and crossed the ball perfectly for Wayne who hit the ball running on to it firmly and sweetly. The ball went into the left hand corner. It was 3 – 3.

There were only 4 minutes to go when Forest Glade pressed again. This time Wayne went down the right and crossed the ball into Robert’s path, who hit the ball calmly with the side of his left foot, as the goalkeeper dived in front of him. The ball went into the left hand corner. Forest Glade were now leading 3 – 4. Forest Glade continued to press forward. This time Max went down the right wing. With 2 minutes to go, he crossed the ball firmly and with some height. Several players from both teams attempted to make contact with the ball and Daniel bravely leapt and lunged to get the decisive touch and the ball squeezed past the goalkeeper at the near post. Forest Glade had scored again. The game finished 3 – 5.

This match was more about strength than agility and more about determination than skill and creativity. The Forest Glade boys showed everyone, especially in the second half, that they could battle and that they had a never give up attitude. Both teams showed that on a heavy pitch with no individual standing out in the difficult conditions, good team play can make a difference. Both teams should be proud of the part they played in this gripping football match. Well done to both teams.