Waltham Forest 1-2 Chelmsford City
Waltham Forest were sent out of the Essex Senior Cup but it could have all been different had they made the most of their possession and chances against their Blue Square South opposition.
Having played in the FA Trophy the previous night, Chelmsford fielded a side comprising of first team squad players, reserves and youth players, but still fielded an experienced back line which included former Forest defender Nicolas Bondon.
Forest started the game the brighter of the two sides, forcing a number of early corners. Tunde Adewunmi was giving Bondon a torrid time up front, and was being well supported by Corey Whitely and Manu Dagher.
However, Chelmsford took the lead against the run of play, as John Brogden rose unmarked to head in a deep corner.
Whitely was first to give the visiting ‘keeper his first real test of the evening, as he was forced to turn a long-range effort around the post.
Brogden doubled his tally for the night and his side’s advantage on 36 as he nodded home a free-kick which Forest had needlessly given away.
Tensions began to rise in the second half as Antone Douglas was denied treatment from yhe physio despite laying idle on the ground for quite a lengthy period. The referee deciding to talk to two players involved in another incident at length before allowing Douglas to receive any attention.
Shortly after, Chelmsford hit the outside of the post direct from a corner. This seem to spur Forest on, as they went straight down the other end in a sweeping counter attack.
When through on goal, Adewunmi was taken down O’Hanlon from behind. The referee had no choice but to award the penalty and give O’Hanlon his marching orders.
Joel Palmer stepped up confidently to take the penalty, but it rebounded off the left hand post and to safety.
Undeterred, Forest continued to press, and Manu Dagher pulled a goal back for the home side, netting from a tight angle.
Numerous chances fell Forest’s way, with Palmer, Clifton and Retkoceri (twice) all going close.
Ultimately, Forest could not capitalise on their domination and Chelmsford saw out the remaining six or seven minutes relatively comfortably.
