Maldon Town 0 – 1 Stags

Forest got their season off to a winning start with a 1-0 win away to Maldon Town. Dean Pennant put Forest away at a ground which has always haunted The Stags, and his solitary goal was enough to secure a victorious start to the season. 

Maldon Town 0 – 1 Waltham Forest

Home Scorers: None
Away Scorers: Dean Pennant (28)

Home Side: 
Away Side:

Report: Waltham Forest got their season off to a perfect start with a 1-0 victory at Maldon Town. This was the first time that they had recorded a win at the Wallace Binder Stadium and it was fully deserved.

Forest had the wind behind them in the first half and spent most of the opening period camped in the home side’s half. Danny Gabriel and Sam Adejokun led the attack well and both had efforts saved by Rhys Maddon in the home goal. Luke Stanley provided some testing crosses into the area, and it was a from a free kick on 28 minutes that Dean Pennant connected with a header that broke the deadlock after a period of relentless pressure.

Shortly before half time Spencer Harrison had a chance to double the lead but his shot went just clear of the crossbar.

Maldon came more into the game after the break, but their attacks were snuffed out by the well drilled Forest defence. The closest they came was a shot by Danny Johnson that hit the bar and another effort that brought a fine save from Sam Tanner.

Harrison again went close with a shot that just missed the right hand post and Madden made some fine saves. Both sides suffered from fatigue as the warm conditions took their toll, and some late challenges led to a pair of bookings for each side.

The crowd were amused by the comment by balding Forest supporter Graham Larkbey about the hairstyle sported by Maldon’s Ross Parmenter.