Hadleigh United 4-3 Waltham Forest

A series of mistakes in Suffolk cost Forest dear as they lost 4-3 to Hadleigh United, despite leading three times.

In a match which felt much more like a cup match than a pre-season friendly, Forest will have to question their defensive decisions, as while the forwards have now scored ten goals in the last three games, only one of the games has been won.

In a frantic opening, both sides had chances to go ahead early. Antone Douglas delivered a terrific cross into the Hadleigh penalty area which was met by Ryan Imbert, but Imbert could only head narrowly wide.

The home side then went straight up the other end and tested Omand in the Forest goal, but the ‘keeper went down bravely at the forward’s feet and smothered his shot.

Forest then took the lead. A loose ball fell to Antone Douglas some 25 yards out, and his low, tame shot somehow crept inside the ‘keeper’s front post.

Hadleigh ended the first half in control of the match, calling Omand into action on several occasions, and having a shot cleared off the line.

The home side came out of the break a lot sharper, and equalised with a back post half-volley after Forest had given away the ball in midfield.

Undeterred, Forest went straight up the other end and restored their lead. Josh Bonnett’s cross was brought down by Richard Shittu who slammed a shot into the top of the net.

Hadleigh’s second equaliser was a joy to behold, with the forward turning three defenders and then coolly finishing when one-on-one.

Forest then took the lead for the third time with a goal that matched the one Hadleigh had just scored. Josh Bonnett looked stranded out on the left wing, but he was able to turn two defenders and then unleash a fierce shot from just outside the area.

With substitutions starting to take a toll on the match, Forest began to make more mistakes. Up front they were being limited by pot-shots, putting the defence under increased pressure.

Hadleigh’s third leveller came after the Forest right back connected with nothing but air when trying to clear the ball, allowing the Hadleigh substitute to chip the stranded Omand with his first touch.

In the last play of the match, Hadleigh secured the win. The ball was once again given away in midfield by Forest, and the home side were able to break and score, much to the delight of the decent home crowd.

Forest finish their pre-season campaign with a home match to Wingate and Finchley on Wednesday. Kick-off is 7.45 PM and admission is £5 including a programme.

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