Waltham Forest 3-3 Bethnal Green United

Waltham Forest came from three goals down two earn a draw against an experienced and lively Bethnal Green United side.

Bethnal Green had several familiar faces in their squad, with Gbenga Sonuga, Jamie Petts, Darryl Wilson, Carey Wright, Marlon Boateng, Junior Luke, Danny Gabriel and Victor Renner all in attendance.

Forest had the first chance of the match, Josh Bonnett giving himself enough room in the box to fire in a low front post effort, however, the keeper was up to the task and kept the ball out well.

United then scored with one of their first attacks of the match. The Forest defence allowed the forward too much time on the ball, and his bouncing shot deceived the Forest keeper into the back of the net.

Soon after it was 2-0 to United. This time former Stag Darryl Wilson was on the end of some excellent one-touch football to lift the ball over the advancing keeper.

Bethnal Green were not done yet, and soon after, a corner flew straight into the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Forest then finally found some footing in the match. Jeff Hammond’s pace and strength was too much, and he was able to hold off two defenders and slide in a cool finish.

Hammond was also key in Forest’s second goal. He was hauled down in the box, and Josh Bonnett put away the resulting penalty.

Bethnal Green’s only two real chances of the second half came in the space of a couple of seconds, but the Forest keeper did well to make two key saves at point-blank range.

Forest then took control of the match, with Bonnett, Palmer and Hammond all having good chances, but failing to find the back of the net. Palmer alone had two shots cleared off the line.

Palmer did eventually get his goal after coming on as a second half substitute, beating the offside trap and firing a powerful shot past the stranded keeper.

Billy Melton found himself through on goal right at the end of the match, but his run was halted by the full-time whistle.

Forest will be happy with the way they came back into the match, but as with Saturday’s performance, they started slowly and it proved costly.

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