Forest equal to Wickford

The game started with Wickford looking like one of the favourites to win the C Division this season. Wickford kicked off and before Forest Glade could get a touch of the ball, Wickford passed the ball through the middle of the away team’s defence and scored. With less than a minute on the clock, Forest Glade had to wake up fast and focus. It took a few minutes with Wickford bringing the game to the away team. After 10 minutes the game settled down and Forest Glade appeared to be equal to the home team. As the first half progressed, the away team started to dominate the midfield, but Wickford moved the ball quickly from defence to attack, with some long balls which tested the away team’s defence. There were very few chances during the rest of the first half, except for George’s long range shot which hit the cross bar. Forest Glade appeared to have more than half of the possession and appeared to be gradually taking control, but could not create any clear cut chances.

Half Time Score 0-1.

The second half started with Forest Glade applying increasing pressure and the ball mainly in the Wickford half. After 7 minutes, Ellis was clean through on goal when the right back came across and brought Ellis down. The referee awarded a penalty. Robie stepped up and shot firmly to the goalkeeper’s right. It was 1-1.

After 17 minutes, a Wickford striker went in late on Charlie after the ball had gone. The referee booked the Wickford player. Straight after this, Forest Glade attacked again and won a corner. Max took the corner. The ball fell to George who chipped the ball across the six-yard area. Daniel challenged for the ball along with a defender and the goalkeeper. The ball bounced off Daniel’s chest and flicked up into the air. Daniel reacted quickest and headed the ball a split second before the goalkeeper could tip it away. The header went over the goalkeeper into the top corner. Forest Glade were winning 1-2, with 16 minutes to go. Soon after, Forest Glade were on the attack again. Max made a precise pass through to Shaun, who had a short run and then chipped over the goalkeeper as he came off his line. The ball struck the cross bar for the second time, and a defender cleared before Daniel could shoot. Wickford hit the ball long and one of their strikers was clean through on goal. Oli came out and dived bravely at his feet. The ball rebounded off the striker and went over the cross bar. With about 8 minutes to go, Shaun picked up the ball and dribbled through several home team players. He then passed the ball through to Daniel who was about to shoot as the goalkeeper came out and smothered Daniel’s shot. Shaun had another similar chance, which the keeper saved. 

With just 5 minutes to go, Wickford A, against the run of play, took a speculative shot from about 35 yards. The ball sailed into the top corner. It was 2-2, and suddenly the home team grew in confidence and the away team had to defend desperately. Wickford had a number of chances and could not capitalise. Although Forest Glade could or maybe should have scored a third, in the end, both teams were probably happy with a draw.

MOM: Robie Chowdhury