Waltham Forest 4s vs Havering 3s

The 3s travelled away to Waltham Forest this weekend hoping to build on their dominant performance from the previous match week. Knowing that the opponents were only 2 spots below them in the league table and with home advantage, Havering had to be on top of their game if they were to get a result

It took a while for the home team to really kick into gear, with a mixture of a slow moving water based pitch and a strong early display by Waltham Forest pinning Havering back and breaking up their stride. Lonnie Yang was called into play quite early on, producing a number of fine saves. Havering seemed to never really get out of first gear and were constrained to playing the opponents game, as they remained quite narrow despite their usual quality on the wings with the only real threat being a John Binks ball driven to the far post without a Havering stick to deflect it home.

Waltham Forest used a high press with a number of their young players, denying the backline and midfield any real time to pick out passes. However, up stepped Gareth Cast with a brilliant crash ball hit along the pitch, forcing an error for the Waltham Forest centre back which allowed Will Bailey to pick his pocket and slide through a 1-on-1 with the home GK to put Havering up.

The energy didn't stop there though as Havering were able to capitalise further after beating a high press. A brilliant decoy run from Eli Cook allowed Will Bailey to find space on the right hand side, allowing an injected ball into the D for James Downey to get his 2nd goal in 2 weeks as he swept into an open goal (not even he could miss that)

Part complacency and part tired legs played a factor for the 3s though, as Waltham Forest's continued attack resulted in a goal before the stroke of half-time, with a rebounded shot finding the back of the net

Despite the lead, Havering still did not seem settled or comfortable in the match. The boys were challenged to be more vocal, get their heads in the game and ultimately enjoy themselves after a relatively flat performance with a score that somewhat flattered them

The second half was a much better display - Havering out on the front foot and able to play on their own terms, with both wingers actively more involved in the match and stretching the opposition defence. Despite this though, Waltham Forest would find themselves able to equalise from a short corner. A fair goal after some end to end action

Further Havering chances were spurned by a combination of Downey, Yang and Bailey respectively, although the persistent pressure resulted in a number of short corners for Havering. With only 10 minutes remaining, a quick injection to the top of the D allowed Toby John space for a sweep shot, with a deflection from a Forest defender taking the ball away from the home GK, putting Havering up 3-2 and putting John's name on the scoresheet for the first time this season!

Some frantic defending in the dying embers of the match meant the away team were on edge (and they saw out the final whistle following a Forest short corner), however some brilliant game management and defending to ensure the away team walk away with a win

A game ultimately decided on fine margins and some close calls, but a good result for the boys in a match where they had to grind out a result despite not performing at their best. Some brilliant play and takeaway points too, which really shows just how far the team has come since last season!

FT - Waltham Forest 4s 2-3 Havering 3s