Waltham Forest – Ilford 21/8/10

With the start of the 2010-11 season under a week away, www.walthamforest-fc.co.uk takes a look at the curtain raiser to Waltham Forest’s campaign. Somewhat ironically, Tony Mercer’s side will be at home to their landlords, Ilford, at Cricklefield Stadium. Forest will hope that this match is one of the few remaining games that they’ll have to play at Cricklefields before making a return to Wadham Lodge. The latest news on the return is that the club are hoping to be playing their first game at Wadham Lodge at the start of October.

Saturday’s match will no doubt be overshadowed by the sad news of the passing away of former Ilford and Waltham Forest player Victor Omogbehin, who died just over a week ago. It is expected that a minute’s silence will be held before the match.

Forest have a somewhat indifferent record since becoming tenants at Cricklefields, winning one encounter 3-0, but losing the other 1-0. The last match was the 3-0 win where Robert Carter netted twice, with Danny Gabriel getting the other. Since the end of last season, Ilford have appointed former Forest reserve manager Gordon Boateng as Director of Football, who will be assisting first team manager Colin Walton.

Ilford haven’t made any ground-breaking signings during the close-season but will always give their tenants a competitive game.

Betting on this game can be made with Bwin, where you can get up to £30 free betting when registering.

Odds:
Home Win: 3/5
Away Win: 17/5
Draw: 5/2