On a windy day in Canvey, the game will be remembered for a few reasons. Eric, the new manager was in charge for his first game. Good luck and all the best by the way. However the other will be for the fantastic match that took place between Forest and Canvey Island.

With Forest against the wind in the first half they knew it would be a hard 35 minutes. But Forest exploded out of the blocks and played some fantastic football and sprayed the ball around to the wings, with the final pass just being too short.

The game was exciting, end to end stuff but with both sides frightened to concede, chances were few and far between. Forest put in a few testing crosses and at the other end Matt had to be alert and collect the ball as the balls came over the top. But then, for the second week running, Alex won a penalty after being tripped in the box. Joe stepped up but the keeper made a great save diving to his right.

Forest were now controlling the game but took a blow just before half time. A corner came in and was controlled and struck in to the right corner. Matt managed to get a hand on it and tip it onto the post but the ball rolled in. A disappointment but Forest showed great character. Chris won the ball on the edge of the area and threaded the ball through to Joe, who controlled and slotted past the onrushing keeper. 1-1 at half time but Forest knew they were unlucky to not be leading.

Second half kicked off with Forest attacking with the wind and lots of confidence. Forest played lots of balls over the top but the wind just took them beyond Jack and Joe upfront. Forest then came close when after 2 or 3 attempted shots, the ball fell to Jack M and his shot clipped the bar. Forest were playing excellent. Matt was safe, the back four were reading the game confidently, not letting anything past and playing the ball out well, the midfield were tackling well and spreading the ball and the forwards were holding the ball up and chasing well.

But both sides were scared to concede and the game looked like ending a draw. However in the dying minutes, a curling Canvey free kick was brilliantly tipped on the post by Matt and away for a corner. Forest were saved. Final whistle blew and both sides had reason to be proud for this open and attacking game of football.

Team

Matt L

Aaron

Sam A

Sam M

Chris

David Smith

Alex S

Jack M

Jamie

Jack  S

Joe

Ben

David Scrivern

Alex Virrel

Mark Lawrence