Hatfield Town 1-5 Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest got their pre-season campaign back on track with a sold 5-1 defeat of Hatfield Town.

The starting XI put out by Forest was quite a way from the XI which started against Billericay Town, but featured some new faces none-the-less.

Adrian Clifton put Forest ahead mid-way into the first half. An excellently weighted through ball allowed him to chip the Hatfield ‘keeper who, in truth, was a little slow in coming off his line.

A minute later and the lead was doubled. ‘Corey’ was released through on goal and he slotted a neat finish into the corner.

‘Dos Santos’ had several good chances up front for Forest, including one where he kicked his own foot and fell over, when clean through on goal.

There were mass changes at half time, including the introduction of Manu Dagher.

Dagher’s influence changed the game completely, with the Liberian winger firing in a second-half hat trick.

For his first, Dagher nicked the ball off a Hatfield defender who chose to dwell too long on the ball. Dagher rounded the keeper and proceeded to casually roll the ball in. However, some excellent backtracking meant Dagher’s shot was cleared off the line, but only back into his path, allowing him to round the defender on the line, and make no mistake with the second chance.

For his second, Dagher was released by a long ball from defence as he set off on a diagonal run down the wing. A Hatfield defender attempted to take him out in the box, but Dagher rode the challenge before rounding the ‘keeper for a second time and firing in.

Dagher’s third was the pick of the bunch. Clearly bored with beating players, Dagher chose to lob the stranded Hatfield keeper with a cheeky lob from just inside the box.

Hatfield did secure a consolation goal with a beautifully struck free-kick, but Forest saw out the victory.

Next up for Forest is a trip to Eton Manor on Wednesday evening, who have enjoyed a good start to their own pre-season.

Click here for more photos from this match.