Cup win for Forest

These 2 teams had played each other 4 times last season and in a pre-season friendly. Forest glade started as favourites, now being a division above Runwell. The away team started brightly, creating 3 attacks within the first 5 minutes. Each time Daniel beat his man down the left wing and put in a cross. During the next 5 minutes, Forest Glade kept the pressure on. Shaun had the best chance when he chipped the ball over the defence and the Goal Keeper, narrowly missing the far post.

Then against the run of play, Runwell attacked and the away team did not put in a tackle, as the home dribbled the ball into the penalty box. The striker shot calmly into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the home team. Forest Glade were rocking as Runwell grew in confidence and brought the game to the blues. The away team made some tactical changes. After 20 minutes, Forest Glade started to take control again, and created some nice moves. During one of these Forest Glade attacks, George went on a curved run from the front of the penalty box down the left side of the box and put in a beautiful cross, which AJ headed downwards and into the corner. The away team had equalised.

Within minutes, Daniel crossed again, Ellis shot at goal and the Goal Keeper parried the ball to his left. Ellis sprinted to the ball and cut it back from an acute angle between the Goal Keeper and the post. The away team were leading. The blues were full of confidence and in control. But Runwell had the next chance, when a free kick flew towards the top corner. Oli dived and tipped the ball round the post. An excellent shot and wonderful save to match. Soon after this, Ellis won the ball on the half way line and ran all the way to the edge of the penalty box. The Goalkeeper came out and a defender was close behind. Ellis calmly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into the net. Forest Glade were leading 1-3.

Just before half time, the ball fell to Ellis in the box. The Goal Keeper came out and took Ellis’ legs away. The referee awarded a penalty. Ellis stepped up and scored to make it 1-4 and his hatrick.

Half time score 1-4.

The second half was less frantic, with both teams defending better. One of the few chances fell to Shaun as he dribbled through the middle of the Runwell defence. He shot as the Goal Keeper came out. The Goal Keeper saved the shot and Ellis tapped in the loose ball. But this was given as offside. Forest Glade scored again during a goal mouth scramble. Ellis tapped in to score his fourth and Forest Glade’s fifth. That’s how it finished. A shaky start for Forest but the boys in blue finished the first half with a flourish, and then controlled the second half. A good win for the away team.

MOM: Daniel Duff