Waltham Forest 2 – 2 Ilford

Forest’s first match of the season with local rivals and landlords Ilford was one which was heavily affected by the conditions; a strong downfield wind an extremely uneven, uncut pitch.

Forest took control of the match from the onset, and Andrew Thomas had a good chance to put the home side in front when he found himself through on goal, only to fire narrowly wide. Ilford’s first goal game from Harry Simtim, who picked up a poor defensive clearance fully 30 yards out and lobbed a stranded Jason Willis.

Forest then lost their way a little after going down and were having trouble keeping the ball and keeping tabs on Ilford nippy front runners especially Andreas Piledis who could have increased the lead but failed to convert from six yards out.

Andrew Thomas had a golden chance to equalise, but fired over from six yards, when missing the target looked impossible. Forest were rewarded for some decent forward play, and thought they’d secured a point on 82 minutes when Dean James’ well flighted free kick eventually found Spencer Harrison in the box who slotted home neatly from close range.

Despite this come-back, Ilford had regained the lead within minutes, beating Forest on the break. A long ball out of defence was aided by the wind past Spencer Harrison, and Junior Appiah was able to claim a lucky bounce off second half substitute Mark Matthews before slotting coolly past the advancing Willis.

With 92 minutes on the clock, Bill Ellis was Forest’s saviour with a neat back post finish after Ilford again failed to clear a Dean James free kick.

Forest will no doubt be disappointed to have not taken all three points, but showed excellent fighting spirit which should bode well for Tuesday night’s match with Leyton.