Forest beat Villa

The game started on a dry, uneven and hard pitch with the away team aware that last time they met in the cup, Benfleet beat them 1-0. This time it was a league game, and the first 10 minutes were pretty equal, although the away team were creating a little more in the last 1/3 rd of the pitch, with no real clear chances. Forest then had a corner which AJ took. Both Ellis and AJ were involved in some lovely passing. The ball found its way to Shaun, who dribbled the ball to the edge of the box and then slipped it through to George, who then appeared to dance his way through at least 4 Benfleet players, before flicking the ball with the outside of his left foot, into the left corner. The away team were leading.

The game was still fairly tight and did not open up until after about 20 minutes. Forest Glade appeared to take control, especially in the midfield and created a number of half chances. With Benfleet on the attack, Robie won the ball. He then back-heeled the ball, between 2 Benfleet players, near his own box. The ball went between 2 attacking players. He then looked up and hit a long pass to Ellis, who ran the ball all the way to the home team’s box. As the goal keeper came out, Ellis struck the ball under the keeper to his right. It was 0-2 and Forest Glade appeared to be in complete control. The third goal was similar to the 2nd, with Robie hitting a through ball to Ellis, who was one on one with the goal keeper. Ellis struck his shot low to the goal keepers left.

Half Time Score 0-3.

At the beginning of the 2nd half, Forest Glade continued where they left off. They put pressure on the ball, when Benfleet were in possession. This forced to the home team to make an increasing number of errors. This only added to the dominance the away team enjoyed. George made a strong run down the left, somehow evading 3 players all close to him and the ball. He looked up and drove a beautifully accurate and low ball across the box between several Benfleet players. Ellis ran on to it and calmly and firmly placed the ball in the corner past the goal keeper. It was now 0-4. Forest Glade started to enjoy themselves with a few clever bits of play and taking a few risks. The best bit of play lead to the fifth goal. AJ played the ball into the middle of the pitch just outside the box. Ellis collected and then passed the ball back as AJ ran into the box. The goal keeper came out and AJ just beat a defender to the ball and poked in. This was a well executed move, which deserved a goal. With only a couple of minutes to go, Benfleet hit a long ball over the top, which beat all the defenders. Oli came out, but a Benfleet striker was the first to the ball and chipped it over Oli and into the net. This was a consolation goal for the home team. That’s how it finished.

An excellent performance by the whole team and a well deserved win. 

MOM: George Warr