Veterans progress in Junior Cup

Forest finally ended their win-less run with a victory over Old Owens in the Barnet League Junior Cup.

Having progressed to this stage after their First Round opponents had fielded an illegible player, this was a close encounter which saw Forest come from behind twice to reach the last 8.

Defences dominated the early stages, but old Owens took the lead on 32 minutes when Paul Saroya converted a free kick while the Forest defence protested about an infringement. The visitors

continued to complain for the rest of the first half and only a couple of good saves by keeper Ali Tanak kept them in the contest.

The second half saw Forest in a more disciplined frame of mind and Meftoni Erbil levelled on 50 minutes scoring from close range.

Seven minutes later Forest fell behind again when Besir Arasan conceded a penalty and Scott Walton converted the spot kick.

Forest responded well and forced some good saves from the home keeper before Erbil produced a second equaliser smashing the ball home from the edge of the penalty area on 65 minutes.

The game was moving into stoppage time when Forest took the lead. Top scorer Erdal Bekler fired in a shot that was deflected past the keeper.

Old Owens tried to force extra time and when their keeper joined the attack for a stoppage time

corner the ball was cleared to Serdar Cinar who was unchallenged as he ran the ball into the net for a fourth Forest goal.

Forest now meet FC Boca in the Quarter Final at Firs Park on 10th January, kick-off 10.30. This is their next fixture as they don’t play over Christmas and New Year.