With no game or training for 3 weeks due to the Christmas period a slow start was expected with even little optimism for a win. Our last outing left us down by 6 but this time it was a different showing.

Right from the start Forest came out fighting and more than matched the Rockets, with all their fast attacking play, a defence that stood solid and played a perfect tactical game, switched on and at times had 3 or 4 Rocket players off side.

The first goal came against play; a short goal kick had Alex under pressure and the Rockets attacker made certain they took the lead.

Forest fought back immediately with two shots across the goal made by Robert, Alex B was on form up the left wing giving sound support. A cross in had a number of Forest attempts on goal but Harry put the first of his hat trick securely past the goalkeeper.

After some more end-to-end play that resulted in six corners, a goal kick was intercepted by Harry and again made it count for his second. Half time.

The second half started as the first had finished, Forest had much of the play as the Rockets raised the pace of the game. After 6 minutes a free kick had the Forest defence setting a wall but a lob had Alex save the goal only for it to rebound back into the net, the equaliser.

The boys really wanted this win and pressed on, some linking play on the left had Alex B on goal but a sliding tackle floored him for a penalty. Harry stepped up for his third.

A time check showed the game had finished, but time was added on for stoppages. First one, two, three minutes and still no sign of the final whistle. The last run to be defended by the Forest defence had a Rocket attacker on the edge of the six-yard box, a soft tackle and he went down,,,,a penalty to Rockets….It was Southend Manor all over again.

The Rockets throw their biggest player up to take it, a blinding shot, with pace to the left of Alex at head height. The sigh from the sideline was deafening but this time replaced with a huge cheer as Alex dives to the side to save the penalty, the loose ball is cleared and the final whistle goes. A home win.

MoM: Daniel Schorman