Hillingdon Borough 2-4 Waltham Forest

Forest got their pre-season back on track with a 4-2 win over Hillingdon Borough in scorching conditions in Middlesex.

Forest’s starting XI was the strongest seen so far this pre-season, but was still not a full strength side.

Richard Shittu should have opened the scoring for Forest, but he was only able to poke a Joel Palmer cross wide when it seemed easier to score.

A failure to take this chance proved costly, as Forest failed to clear a deep cross, which eventually fell to the Hillingdon left-back who unleashed a powerful volley at the back post, which found the back of the net.

The afternoon then got worse for Forest, as the Hillingdon number 8 was allowed to waltz through the visiting defence and lift the ball over the advancing ‘keeper to double his side’s advantage.

This second goal eventually spurred Forest into action, with Jeff Hammond and Richard Shittu both guilty of missing good chances.

Shortly after the break, Forest pulled themselves back into the match, right-back Kardel heading in at the back post from a Joel Palmer corner.

Josh Bonnett came on for Forest, and instantly proved to be the difference once again. Bonnett set Hammond through for a one-on-one chance, but Hammond’s effort was well saved by the ‘keeper.

Forest’s equaliser came soon after. Despite being felled by a Hillingdon tackle, ‘Hammer’ was carry on his run and unleash a great curling shot into the top corner, leaving the ‘keeper rooted to the spot.

Forest took the lead soon after, and it was thanks to the skill of Bonnett, who turned a defender before curling the ball around the stranded ‘keeper.

Billy Melton then scored his second goal in as many games with a neat volley to make sure Forest went home with the victory.

Forest will be happy with their second half performance, but will still be worried about some lax defending in the first.

Wale Ojelabi’s side face Bethnal Green United next, a match which will be played at the Metropolitan Police Sports Ground in Chigwell. Kick-off is 6.45.

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