Tough to take for Forest but Dons get revenge

The under 15's friendly on Sunday against Don's Academy ended with a disappointing and thoroughly undeserved loss. The final score did not reflect the play on the pitch. However the Don's got there revenge for the 2-0 loss inflicted at the Catholic tournament the week before.

The first half was completely dominated in possession terms by Forest Glade. With the slope and wind in favour they heaped pressure on the Don's Academy goal, but a succession of chances went begging. With about 15 minutes to go to half time on a rare foray forward, Dons won a corner. The ball came over and was partially cleared, only for a attacker to strike the ball against Ryan Seagroatt and the ball to loop over the Goalkeeper to give the Don's a 1-0 lead.

Forest Glade continued to pile the pressure on. Jimi Bude WAS making good progress down the left hand wing when a Dons player, after some verbal exchanges with his own team mates, viciously kicked out, striking Jimi on the thigh. There was absolutely no attempt to get anywhere near the ball. The Dons player was immediately removed by his own team from the pitch.

Half time came and went. The Forest glade players, now playing into the wind continued to have a good percentage of the play and were dominant, especially on the left side of the field with some good passing and movement and several more chances were created.

Dons had a flurry of attacks mid way through the second half and as the ball was cleared to the half way line, one of the dons players took 1 touch and launched a speculative shot. The players and spectators watched in amazement as the ball, swirling in the wind cleared the defence and then the goal keeper David Pratt. The ball entered the goal mouth just below the crossbar and rippled the back of the net before touching the ground. An excellent goal, but the score line flattered the Dons at this stage.

With six minutes to go and after some neat play through the centre, Sam Lawrence unleashed a shot that was saved, however the keeper could only parry the ball. As all good stickers do, Lewis Farrier, followed the shot in and put away the rebound for a good and deserved Forest Glade goal.

For the last few minutes Forest tried to rally but were met by some stern and good defending by the Dons.

After the match there were apologies all round from the Dons coaching staff, the player who maliciously fouled Jimi and the lads parents for the kick out. Apologies were all accepted and what was a good game had some of the respect restored.

There were some good Forest Glade performances worth mentioning. Charlie Simmons solid, John Burchett made some good covering tackles at left back, Harry looked solid in the midfield.