Ilford 3-2 Waltham Forest

After the disappointment of last season for the Stags a new chapter began with new teams,players and also a different league.

It started with a game against local rivals Ilford.

As the game got underway there was an early chance for Forest with Alan Callaghan was put through for a one-on-one with the Ilford keeper making the save.

A few minutes later the Stags took the lead with a great volley by Corey Stewart.

Forest were straight back on the attack with Charlie Gregory setting up Alan Callaghan who only just missed an open goal and should of made it 2-0.

Ilford hit back on the attack with a goalmouth scrap and could have made it 1-1.

After 27 minutes there was a penalty shout but the referee turned it down, at this stage Forest looked good for another goal and the perfect start to the season.

Ilford were on target with Michael Osei who shot from outside the box to level the game at 1-1 just before half time.

As the 2nd half started Ilford began strongly putting a long ball through which found former Leyton Pennant striker Chris Stevens who lobbed Ferhat Hussein to give Ilford the lead for the first time in this match.

Ilford were on the attack constantly now with a goalmouth scrap but as the ball was rolled in, it was called offside thankfully.

Forest had to make a sub as Hussein was limping off to be replaced by William Hunt and as Ilford were again on the attack Jon Jon Sexton handled in the area resulting in a penalty, which went the made it now 3-1 to Ilford.

This saw Forest finally attack with Tyrique Solomon getting the ball on the halfway then taking the ball into the Ilford box but his shot was saved, luckily for the Stags Callaghan made it 3-2.

Eventually though, Forest ran out of time, and started this season as they did the last, with a defeat.