Match Report:  AFC Foresters v Medway FC

Date: Friday 18th October 2024 KO 8.15pm

Venue: Ganger Farm

AFC Foresters 3 : 9 Medway FC

Clark

Floyd

Hinton

Match Report:

Following a beautiful clear summers day it was a wet and windy night that greeted the two teams as international referee Nicholas Yeboah got the game under way at Ganger Farm.

It was even stephens in the first exchanges as Foresters, wearing blue settled into the game.  Super striker Dave Floyd tested the keeper from the edge of the box as well as rounding the keeper to see his difficult shot from tight angle flash across the face of the open goal.  At the other end, Medway beat the offside trap but Murray, off his line quickly, was a match and flicked it over.Next it was Foresters turn who broke down the left, and Wheeler, spotting a gap at the near post, saw his firm shot ricochet off the post.

Foresters had settled well; Best set Floyd off on a run down the right, who deftly backheeled to the edge of the box where Rogers was able to control and fire a shot which the keeper did well to parry and save.  The efforts were happening at both ends and almost immediately Medway responded with a long range shot following a cut back that Murray saved on to the post.  Then Medway gained the upper hand; an innocuous free kick from the right, floated to the back post hit a blue shirt and rebounded into the net.  One Nil Medway.

At the other end Foresters again attacked. A tidy flick from Clark to Vigar almost saw an equaliser but then a break on the right saw the excellent Medway No. 10 shoot from the edge of the box giving Murray no chance. Two Nil . Almost immediately the Medway forward sprung the offside trap before a rocket shot made it Three nil.  Despite qn optimistic long shot from Payne,  half time couldn't come quickly enough.  Half Time 0-3.

Frustratingly, Foresters had not been bad in the first half and it was the younger and fitter Medway attributes that were the difference.  Following a stern chat from the management, Foresters came out trying to keep play tighter, shorter passes to ensure they didn't get stretched and it did give them more of the ball, but the next goal again went to Medway with a delicate chip from up close over the goalie.

Foresters still persevered and Graddidge with a corner from the left dropped the ball on the backpost which came off Clark's head on to the defender for Four One.  Any hopes of a come back were quickly annulled with Medway quickly bagging another two goals for Six One.  A tiring Foresters could only watch as quick moves by the Medway team took the score to Eight One.  

But testament to the ethos and spirit of AFC Foresters, the team valiantly kept going and were rewarded when top scorer Floyd broke through and one on one with the keeper, rifled home for the Forester's second.  And they were not finished yet, they still had the best goal of the night in their locker.

Floyd wriggled through the defence on the left and when almost at the byline, looked up and spotted Hinton, charging up the centre from defence.  The perfectly weighted pass was met by Hinton and his crisp thunderbolt from all of 30 yards, gave the Medway keeper no chance. Eight  Three.

One more from Medway made a final score of Nine Three – coincidentally the height of some of the Medway players !!  It was a interesting test for Foresters and a fighting performance where they never gave up, despite a fitter, younger and well organised opposition, and despite the result, Foresters should take heart that they fought to the end and gave Medway plenty to think about.  There was nothing “Kentish” about Medway, a decent and pleasant bunch from Bournemouth and the rematch is already in the diary for 2025.  

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report:  Bisterne United v AFC Foresters

Date: Friday 4th October 2024 KO 8.15pm

Venue: Ringwood Town FC

Bisterne United 3 : 5 AFC Foresters 

Clark

Floyd (2)

Lumley (2)

Match Report:

It was a night for the ages at Ringwood Town FC new 4g sports complex, as Bisterne played hosts to an AFC Foresters awayday and a game of wild tempo changes, epic comebacks, and wasted chances. Foresters kept their noses just in front throughout the game despite Bisterne fighting back, but in the end, the Foresters stole the show with a five-star performance.

Both sides settled into the game but neither side troubled either keeper in the early exchanges.  Foresters slowly started to get their act together and after some good interplay, Floyd crossed for Ottley to steer the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.  Midway through the half, a sudden flurry of action saw 3 goals.

Foresters were first to break the deadlock.  Clark was rewarded for chasing down an overhit through ball.  The Bisterne keeper charged out to make a long clearance, but his kick cannoned off Clark as he charged down the ball which then flashed into the unguarded empty net.

Foresters though could not hold on to their league despite playing some good football and missing more good chances.

With debutant Best seemingly fouled on the half way line, Foresters hesitated in anticipation for what they thought was the inevitable referees whistle which, inexplicably never came.  Foresters were then struggling to recover whilst Bisterne swept forward to score past a helpless Murray in goal.

Foresters soon galvanised themselves and Man of the Match Lumley surged forward to restore a justified lead as the referee drew the half to a close 2-1 to Foresters.

Foresters refreshed their line up again after the break and continued to play some attractive football, with the game becoming more and more stretched as the big pitch started to take its toll, the youthful Bisterne side were soon level. Again it was more fortuitous than anything else but again Foresters were undeterred.

Floyd now leading the line was back in the goals as he rounded off a good move to edge the visitors back in the lead.  Again, Bisterne came back to square things at 3 each, and with the clock showing 10 minutes to go, Foresters dug deep to find a winner. 

Floyd again latched on to a through ball after Foresters sliced through the Bisterne lines to edge the Foresters ahead for the fourth time.

Determined to not let Bisterne back into the game, Lumley then produced another of his surging runs through the middle to finish off a move he started to make it a brace for himself and 5 for Foresters.

Despite key players missing the reshuffled Foresters showed the strength and depth of the Foresters squad.  With one more “competitive” match remaining this year, Foresters will be hoping to end the year on a winning run.

Foresters: Farbrother, Atkin, Perry, Graves, Rogers, Boxell, Best, Johnson, Floyd, Lumley, Carter, Ottley, Murray, Hinton, Lee, Clark, Venditti.

Report: David Venditti

Full match Replay (This is unedited)

Match Report:  Blue Dragons v Red Rovers

Date: Friday 27th September 2024 KO 8.15pm

Venue: Ganger Farm

Blue Dragons 2 : 3 Red Rovers 

Wilkinson Floyd (2)

Darragh Tyler

Match Report:

In one of the tightest two horse races, the Blue Dragons and the Red Rovers once again faced off in the Monforte Cup.   The Dragons held a one game lead in the series, and another tight game was anticipated in the brisk September evening.

There was nothing between the teams in the first half.  Some good forages down the right from Kelly Farbrother came to nothing for the Reds while the Blues were met with an immovable force; Dave Floyd in goal who repelled what few shots there were from the blues with some dramatic saves.  At the other end, Nobby Stiles came close with an audacious shot from the halfway line which Stephen Hildon tearing back, saw go just past the post.

So all square at half time and it was the Red Rovers who struck first... a break from Dave Floyd who by then had passed the gloves to Jordan Wicks, saw Hildon blocking the way to goal.  His firmly struck cross goal pass found the poacher JT waiting to pounce for one nil.  

The game was disjointed still and an unusual bit of petulance from Stiles when he kicked the ball away,  incurred the wrath of referee Nicolas.  Yellow card.  The Blue Dragons needed to bounce back, and it wasn't long before a burst of speed from Wilkinson down the left beating the full back and the keeper to find Matt Darragh who popped in the equaliser.  Chances were few and far between for the tightly matched teams and the closest was Floyd who saw his shot skim the bar.  Floyd was then adjudged to have been brought down in the box and it was he himself who took the ball to hit the penalty passed Hildon. 

The Blue Dragons pushed hard and continued to get to the edge of the box without threatening, but then scored a well deserved equaliser with Wilkinson picking up a loose ball hammered home past Wicks.  Two all and everything to play for.  

Then Mr Foresters Venditti went down on the halfway line and while writhing around seeking the foul, the game stood still. Andy Gradidge was first to react sending a through ball to Floyd and catching the Blue Dragons defence unfooted. Quickly away, Floyd one on one slotted passed Hilton for what turned out to be the winner.  Venditti picked up a booking for his backchat and was immortalised in sporting imagery that went viral and is now more infamous than the tennis blonde scratching her bum.  

The game then saw a professional and wily Red Rover team play down the clock until the final whistle,  to hold on for the win to tie the series.

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report:  Blue Dragons v Red Rovers

Date: Friday 30th August 2024 KO 6.00pm

Venue: Hatches Farm

Blue Dragons 2 : 2 Red Rovers 

Rogers Griffiths

Venditti (pen) Aldridge

Match Report:

You really had to be here now, as both sides short on numbers due to squad players been half the world away, served up a right digsy’s dinner in a pulsating affair in the 7th encounter of the Monforte Cup, with Dragons leaving it definitely maybe late to snatch a draw.  Some might say that Rovers threw it away, but the draw ensures that both sides’ hopes of taking the trophy are still alive and not fade away. 

First Half: Wonderwall of Defence

The match kicked off with both teams probing for an opening, both sides passed the ball around providing some supersonic moves but little by little, Dragons started to roll with it and soon enough, were one nil up after the shock of the lightening move saw Kamal get to the line to square the ball for Rogers to calmly slot home.

The first half was an open affair with all players putting in enormous efforts realising the importance of being idle could be decisive.

Both teams’ defences marshalled respectively by Johnson, Green, Lee and Prankerd were resolute and proved too much of a wonderwall to breach and the half finished with the Dragons one up.

Second Half: Champagne Supernovas

During the break, the Rovers talisman Hinton, produced the masterplan and reshuffled their lineup.  Dragons too shakermaker their lineup but it was Rovers’ Griffiths who latched on to a through ball to calmly lob the advancing Wilkinson to level the match up.

Whatever Hinton had said at half time spurred on the Rovers, and soon enough like a cloudburst, the Rovers’ rock and roll star Floyd got onto a long ball from up in the sky, crossed to Aldridge to volley the ball home.

With the clock ticking, Dragons pressed for an equaliser, to keep the dream alive and were going nowhere.

With Dragons pushing more and more men forward, pressed with a series of corners, which Rovers valiantly defended, as the time seemed to race on,

After another corner, a scrambled clearance saw the ball come back into the area as the ball hung in a bad place, and as the ball fell to the feet of May, just as he was about to shoot, was scythed down from behind by Payne leaving him lyla on the ground. Cum on feel the noise of the Dragons as the referee pointed to the spot…!

I hope, I think, I know there was more than a bit of tension as the spot kick was dispatched with the last kick of the game and we were outta time as the referee blew to end the match.

Rovers will look back in anger as they may feel where did it all go wrong, but they need to stop crying your heart out and reset for the next match.

Dragons can take heart that they did not let the game slide away and the late late draw meant they could celebrate the point with post match celebrations on cigarettes and alcohol.

Report: David Venditti

Match Report:  AFC Foresters v Michelmersh & Timsbury

Date: Wednesday 14th August 2024 KO 6.30pm

Venue: Hatches Farm

AFC Foresters 4 : 1 Michelmersh & Timsbury 

Floyd (2)

Ottley

Lumley

Match Report: Foresters FC 4 – 1 Michelmersh & Timsbury

Wednesday 14th August evening, saw AFC Foresters return to “competitive” action, all be it in a friendly against local league side Michelmersh & Timsbury.

With a light drizzle for most of the day but clearing in mid afternoon, the conditions were set perfectly for the encounter.

The everchanging Forester’s lineup this match gave debuts to Lee (back from long term injury), Rippington and Murray.

It was a football match straight out of the 1980s playbook: with an AFC Foresters performance that could only be described as electric. With the swagger of Duran Duran and the precision of Dire Straits, Foresters strutted their way to a 4-1 victory, leaving Michelmersh & Timsbury looking like the had spent too much time in happy hour.

First Half: Foresters on the Attack Like The Final Countdown

Foresters started the match like they'd been pumped up on Van Halen and synth beats, attacking from the off. Playing an uncannily patient but attractive game, and 24 minutes into the first half, it was the inevitable Floyd who opened the scoring for Foresters, when the threaded through ball he received was perfectly weighted allowing him to calmly slot past the M&T keeper.

Foresters effortlessly made their legendary “Buddy System”© (Johnno Johnson) work as old and new players were introduced and withdrawn round and round keeping everyone fresh, but seamless in the personnel transitions.

It wasn’t long before Foresters doubled their lead. On 38 minutes, Ottley benefited from some poor defending and a mix-up allowed him to stroke the ball home leaving the helpless keeper looking like he had just been hit by a Wham! wake-up call.

M&T were struggling to find their rhythm. Every pass they attempted felt like an awkward reunion of The Smiths, with no one really on the same page. Their strikers were expertly handled by the stoic Foresters defence and the Foresters midfield were beautifully conducted by Lee and Griffiths making the M&T players feel that they were giving money for nothing.

Second Half: M&T Try to Take On Me

Butterfield had the honours to give the halftime team talk which included a bit of Simple Minds inspiration because Foresters came out with even more energy in the second half.

In the 58th minute, Ottley smashed a long range effort that had more power than a Def Leppard drum solo. M&T’s defence were caught looking like they were listening to Tears for Fears’ greatest hits, head over heels as the ball rocketed past the keeper but crashed against the bar.

Against the run of play, M&T pulled a goal back with when their striker was rewarded for chasing down a lost cause, to cross for the oncoming attacker to stab the ball past Wilkinson, and suddenly, M&T had some faith.

But just as they started to believe, Foresters hit them with another power chord. In the 67th minute, Floyd added to his tally with a finish that was pure Bon Jovi, full of swagger and rock-star confidence, leaving the Timsbury keeper flapping like a flock of seagulls and getting nowhere near the ball.

Final Whistle: AFC Foresters Rock Another One Bites the Dust

With the game slipping away as the light faded to grey, M&T’s defence had more holes than a Queen B-side. In the 83rd minute, Foresters sealed the deal when, Lumley calmly put the game to bed with a lovely finish to give the Foresters a greatly deserved 4th goal.

By the time the final whistle blew, Foresters were walking on sunshine, meanwhile M&T, were left wondering where it all went wrong.

With the Veterans league only weeks away, M&T must feel under pressure, whilst AFC Foresters felt like champions of the world, and wondering if they could turn back time and do it all again.

Final Score:

AFC Foresters 4 – 1  Michelmersh & Timsbury

Report: David Venditti

Match Report:  St Edwards v AFC Foresters

Date: Wednesday 3rd July 2024 KO 6pm

Venue: Melchet Court Park

St Edwards 5: 4 AFC Foresters

Graves

Garrett Z

Keys

Tyler

It was an overcast night as the annual St Edward’s v AFC Foresters kicked off at Melchet Court Park. Both teams had strong squads of mixed ages, and it was lined up for a tight match.  It was St Edward’s who opened the scoring, with a perfectly timed through ball being met by PW, who gave Foresters’ first choice stopper no chance as he rifled into the top of the net from close range. One nil to St Edwards.  That was the prompt for Foresters to find their feet, passing crisply around the team before Darragh and Graves combined on a one two, to see Graves’ slot home the equaliser one one.  The first quarter ended all square and with the sun coming out, both teams took the opportunity to refresh personnel.  It was the youngsters of AFC Foresters who were quickest off the mark after the drinks break: first Zac Garrett rounded a couple of players before letting rip with a shot that gave the goalie no chance one two ; then shortly after, it was Alex Keys' turn to break into the box and fire off an unstoppable shot one three. That rattled the masters and pupils of the great school and they reacted, keeping the ball and giving the Foresters’ defenders a torrid time as they pushed down both flanks. The referee in his resplendent orange gowns was kept busy, having to dole out successive yellow cards to “Garrett the most younger”, and “Garrett the elder” for dissent and handball "disrespectively".  Harsh on Jacob Garrett who had made an impressive debut for the Foresters, along with eldest brother Will who put in his usual assured display.

However eventually the St Edward’s pressure told and following a break down the left, the ball into the middle fell to KB who calmly slotted past Wilkinson from the left.  Two three to AFC Foresters at half time.  

The second half started as the first finished with St Edwards on the attack, they turned on the skills and several Foresters stalwarts were megged as the students pushed for the equaliser. But Foresters came back strongly with more of their stars of the future, Harley Daw (captaining the side for the first time) and young Josh Wilkinson coming close.    But the inevitable St Edward’s equaliser came, a break down the left saw SB fire home to make it three three. Game on – as the third quarter drinks break whistle blew.

The fourth quarter ebbed and flowed but it was St Edwards who edged ahead with PF adding to the St Edwards tally four three , not to be out scored, Tyler, made it four four with a tap in after great work down the Foresters right with a slick combination by Garrett, Keys and Wilkinson, but trying to grab a late winner left Foresters exposed at the back and KB got the home side ahead five four – Foresters employed the Hail Mary strategy pushing Wilkinson the keeper up at a string of last minute corners which were bravely defended with some scrambled but effective defending, but it was not enough and the students and tutors saw out the remaining seconds to secure the fourth consecutive win in this annual event.

A great game, played in a fantastic spirit in front of a record crowd.

Well deserved players of the Match was awarded to VM for St Edwards and Josh Wilkinson for Foresters (making his debut).

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report:  Blue Dragons v Red Rovers

Date: Friday 21 June 2024 KO 6pm

Venue: Hatches Farm

Blue Dragons 6: 2 Red Rovers

Kamal(2)                 Floyd

Boxall                       Griffiths (pen)

Rogers

May

Harris

Match day 6 of the Monforte Cup took place on a cool evening at Hatches Farm. The teams, incredibly well matched sides had shared 4 of the previous games, with two wins for the Red Rovers, two wins for the Blue Dragons, and one hard fought draw last time out.  

The teams were similar but with Blue Dragon’s right back Milne injured on international duty, it was Venditti who captain Darragh asked to start at right back. A controversial choice following Venditti’s recent comments on his attitude to Number 2s.  

It was the Red Rovers who showed first, taking the early lead with Kelly Farbrother finding Floyd with a cross to allow him to open the scoring.  The goal seemed to spark the Blue Dragons in to life, with Jack Farbrother hitting the bar before Kamal equalised for the blues, settling in nicely to the Dragons style of play.  Before too long the Blue Dragons were ahead.  Boxall leaping like a second row at a lineout to meet the corner cleanly to head past Prankerd in the Rovers goal.  Two one to the Dragons.   The Reds pushed strongly with Hinton and Frost looking steady at centre back with Griffiths, Payne, Aldridge and Gradidge trying to carve out opportunities.  However the next goal went to the Dragons when an up and under from Venditti on the right was not cleared by the four Reds under it, instead falling to Rogers to tap in from close range. Three one to the Dragons. The game was beginning to spice up;  Blue Dragon stalwart Garrett used his guile to shield the ball from the charging Wicks, only to find himself summersaulting into the crowd. The half time whistle came but the referee’s hand was already beginning to twitch towards his pocket.  

Half Time  - Three–One to the Blue Dragons.

The second half started at fast pace with both Prankerd and Wilkinson making good saves.  The Reds were getting stronger and were determined to get back in the game.  Then following a foray down the left by Kamal, the ball came across to the edge of the box to be met cleanly by super sub Greg May who swerved the ball into the top right hand corner, giving the diving Prankerd no chance.  The tackles started flying in; Hinton on Kamal, Moore on Floyd, Venditti on anyone... even Aldridge performed an un-christianlike act to get in the book.  Treasurer Tyler’s eyes lit up with the thought of record revenue from the fines!  Moore’s foul on Floyd led to a penalty which was dispatched cooly by Griffiths.  Four Two to the Dragons.   Again the Rovers came back strongly – Floyd hitting the woodwork,  and Payne’s shot hitting the post twice before being gathered by Wilkinson.

But Dragon’s super sub May continued haranguing and hassling the Rovers defenders and as the Red Rovers pushed further forward to get back in the game, the ball broke for the lion, Leo Kamal, who bagged his second of the game for five two.  Hinton fired a header just over the bar for the Rovers, but the Dragons finished off the game off when Harris, who is making a habit of scoring in these encounters,  met a cross at the edge of the box, on the volley with every part of his leg to just trickle in the bottom right hand corner of the goal.  So a hard fought game between two committed sides ended six -two to the Blue Dragons.  Captain Darragh’s winning four Matt should be applauded !!

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report:  Orihuela Costa CDF  v AFC Foresters

Date: Saturday 15th June 2024 

Venue: Centro Deportivo Municipal Orihuela Costa 

After a hectic and sometimes gruelling two-day training session in Torrevieja, the AFC Foresters international squad were allowed the day off to relax before the game, restricting themselves to light pool duties and a pre-match meal of cheese and ham toasties and Ruffles jambon. The previous days had seen intense techniques including the revolutionary tactics of sleep deprivation and the futuristic supplements of rattler, and the vodka vase. 

Back home, fans were getting ready for the live streaming as the kick off, set for 4.30 to coincide with the hottest part of the day, approached.  As the team busses arrived at the Orihuela Costa Municipal stadium, the mercury hit 34 degrees as the tourists, brimming with confidence thought “this time, we’ll get it right.”

As the warmups commenced on the steaming carpet that was the 4G pitch, spirits were further lifted when representatives from the opposition arrived, suggesting a well-matched game.  Alas these hopes were short lived when the guys said they were just there to watch their grandsons play.  

As kick off approached Foresters broke tradition to pose in the stands for photos with their travelling army of fans, before Butterfield, wearing the Captain’s armband with Pride, outlined team tactics while Hildon called on his team mates to touch cloth and stay away from spiders in an inspirational soliloquy that set the world in motion.   Following the handing over of the traditional pennant the game got underway.

The ask was to keep it tight for the first ten minutes, and although not seeing much of the ball, some good saves from Fielden saw the first ten minutes pass goalless.  The much younger side moved the ball around well and looked to play balls over the top and through the middle to keep the Foresters running in the intense heat.  The Orihuela fans ratcheted up the atmosphere with the bang of the drum and the megaphone singing echoing around the stadium.  Then the breakthrough came and before too long the home side had a two-goal lead.  Foresters battled well, Hildon got properly stuck in with some firm tackles, kung fu kicking to battle out of defence and not being afraid to put his head where it hurt was another factor. (50) Meanwhile the midfield tussled with their Orihuela counterparts with a bit of afters occurring with the French number 17, having tete a tetes with Foresters three lions; Venditti, Butterfield and Unwin.  Although French, he lived up to his Spanish name, Juan, and was a cousin of simple minds singer Jim Kerr.

The heat was crippling, and the buddying system was in full operation as the midway water break came.  Captain Butterfield having studied the heat maps and opta data of performance in the first period, showcased the revolutionary human table football coaching exercise, giving clear instructions to the team for what to do when they were on the ball or off it.  The team talk worked for another ten minutes before relentless pressure, down the right flank from whistling jack and again through the middle from Juan, resulted in a further two goals to make it four nil.  The Foresters who had struggled to get passed the halfway line had only had a couple of half chances, each of them from the runs of Clark, and it was he who was going all the way when he latched on to a through ball, bravely beating the keeper to the ball to slide it past him.  The biggest cheer of the day went up from the packed stands and the first rendition of “its coming home” was heard from the travelling army. Orihuela managed one more before half time to leave the score at 5.1.

The second half went much the same way but the Foresters, going three at the back were able to hold the line and when Stiles broke free with the whole world at his feet, a clever shot from 40 yards was too good for the retreating Spanish goalkeeper. 5-2, and all to play for.

Almost immediately at the other end, the whistle went for what all thought was a definite penalty, with the never far from controversy, Faul, upending the Spanish forward.  However, the referee judged that the Spaniard had dived and booked him, who in an act of petulance knocked the cards out of the refs’ hand to be delivered a red.  Stockley Parque had a look and Referee’s aficionado Mark Halsey agreed to substitute the player to avoid the red card.  

Foresters kept going seeking a third, with several Stiles runs and a full bloodied Stevenson charge down the left beating three players, (someone had translated the table football exercise to a Subbuteo exercise) before being dispossessed.

Orihuela came back from their siesta with some spectacular efforts – a couple of overheads didn’t hit the mark but a great header from their only over forty made it six.

One more goal followed to make it 7 -2 at the final whistle before Mark Halsey said, “we’ll take more care of you”, and we headed to a bar to celebrate/ commiserate altogether.  Now that was some welcome and spread with the sangria and beer flowing and the tapas and paella plenty with the Euros on the big screen.

Orihuela we're a good set of lads and despite the result a good time was had by all on a day hotter than a Vindaloo!!  Statistician’s calculated the 20 strong Foresters average squad age to be 49.1 where as the opposition was mid 30s. 

Roll on 2025, the lucrative nature of this event has heightened the bidding process with Dusseldorf replacing Romania as the favourite with the perennial outsider Italy again preparing a tender.  The Italian and the German in the squad will be happy either way! 

Report: Mick Milne

Match "Highlights"

Match Report: Red Rovers v Blue Dragons

Date: Friday 31st May 2024 

Venue: Hatches Farm 

It was a cool pleasant May Friday evening at Hatches Farm for the latest episode of the Red Rovers v the Blue Dragons. With the series standing at 2 all, it was game on.  Referee Nick Asamoah, who before the match had been presented with a vast array of children’s kits, boots and books by the very generous Foresters,  got the game underway.   

It was the Blue Dragons who settled best early doors, pressing hard then playing the ball around comfortably and finding space down the wings. Davidson had a good effort early on, and Saunders and Darragh had good headers but Hinton looked sharp between the posts for the Reds.   

However the clearest of the early exchanges fell to the Reds and Floyd who having breached the thin blue line, fired over the  bar from close range.  Shortly after, and very much against the run of play, Rovers Ottley had a shot from the edge of the box that saw one time Foresters custodian, Steve “the Cat” Hildon fling his hands in front of his face to give a penalty.  Up stepped Ottley to slot home to give the Red Rovers a one nil lead.  Five minutes later it was two nil, with Ottley, who had clearly had his porridge that morning, latching on to a cross that the Blues defence failed to clear to make it two nil to the reds.  It could have been three for the Rovers when Kelly Farbrother sweetly connected with a cross from the right  but her goal bound effort was deflected on to the post by the head of Hildon.

That seemed to galvanise the Blue Dragons and almost immediately a good build up found Thompson who played a great crossball from left to right that saw Harris beating teammate Garrett to the ball to hammer home from just inside the box for two one.   The Dragons had found their rhythm again.  A quick move out from the back saw Garrett head down the right wing and with the reds outnumbered in the middle,  the ball reached Lumley to score to mark an absolutely fabulous debut. Two- Two.  Some good football was played by both sides with Gradidge and Payne in the thick of it for the Reds, matching up against Venditti and Moore for the Dragons.  The Half time whistle came with honours even. 

The second half started with the Blues attacking and creating many chances. The Reds had changed keeper at the break, with Wicks taking over from Hinton inbetweeners the sticks.  Darragh and Rogers came close but the Blues were not playing it simple, and taking too many touches.  Eventually the goal came; just as it looked like another chance had gone to waste, Rogers attempt rebounded off the defence to fall to a surprised Thompson who calmly made it three two to the Dragons.  

The Blues continued to push and when Moore was put through , Faul cynically clipped Moore’s heels as he was away with just the goalie to beat. Although looking a nailed on red card, Faul’s sorry and the fact that there was no extras– convinced the referee in to only brandishing a yellow. The free kick came to nothing but five minutes later, there were more men behaving badly; goalkeeper Wicks was told to mind your language, as he yelled obscenities at his defenders at a free kick – but the wall held firm.

The match was tense and with ten minutes to go , the ball came out right for the Reds and the tenacious Graves flicked it over the Dragons’ defence and the otherwise quiet Floyd somehow scrambled it over the Dragon’s keeper, dear John Wilkinson. Three three.

That signalled a real surge from the Rovers with Stiles pushing forward at every opportunity, and the head of Griffiths coming close for the Reds.  But at the other end, as the Blues threw everything forward, Green found himself in the Rovers’ box with a chance to win the game but couldn’t capitalise from close in.  He then earned himself a card for his troubles, blocking Wicks drop kick which didn’t impress Referee Asamoah.

So it was all square when the Referee called time gentlemen please. Two well matched teams, some great play by the young ones, but equally some great performance from the dads army. A feisty game but all left just good friends as they headed off for their Friday night dinner.

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report: Ringwood Town Veterans v AFC Foresters

Date: Friday 24th May 2024

Venue: Ringwood Town FC 

The Friday of the Bank Holiday weekend saw the Foresters head deep into the Forest to play Ringwood Town Veterans. The stadium was undergoing alterations to allow Bournemouth Ladies to continue to play there so the game was held on the 4G training pitch.  Foresters, arriving early had their longest warm up ever, which could have taken its toll on some of the more senior members, but instead helped to sharpen the Foresters touch.

The game kicked off with a younger looking and well organised Ringwood team starting at a fast pace and attacking with good one touch movements.  With only two minutes on the clock a rapid move started down the left resulting three touches later in the Ringwood number 10 breaking through Foresters line to slot home for one nil.   

Foresters were struggling and Wilkinson was called on several times in the first few minutes to keep them in the game and when Faul calmly cleared of the line, it was time for a re-think.  Foresters got closer to the Ringwood forwards and midfield and gradually worked a foothold in the game.  Fullbacks Carter and Faul and later Milne pressed hard on the wings and Wheeler, and the impeccable Johnson kept close to the centre forwards. By the midpoint of the half, Foresters were the better team.  

Twice, good work by Floyd down the right saw him draw the keeper and unselfishly lay the ball back to Clark, whose finishes on both occasions were unable to match his positional anticipation. Rogers also went close before coming off injured.  The mid-half buddying substitutions didn’t quite go as smoothly as planned and saw the eagle-eyed Ringwood coach spot Foresters had an extra man on the pitch. But once the sides were levelled up, Foresters continued to improve.

The midfield of Boxell, Darragh and especially Gradidge were holding the ball well and quickly passing amongst the Foresters, and pressing hard when dispossessed.  Eventually the well-deserved equaliser came from Floyd slotting past the Ringwood keeper.  One One .

The second half started with Foresters driving to take the lead.  Venditti picked up the loose balls and played them out to Gradidge in the middle and Garrett down the right.   But the front two of Tyler and Floyd couldn’t get the second, with Floyd being thwarted by the keeper repeatedly and seeing one long distance shot just clipping the bar, and another hitting the post. As the sun sunk lower and Foresters pushed for the lead, it was Hinton’s turn to rattle the woodwork, from outside the box with the keeper beat.  But the second goal wouldn’t come and Ringwood started to get a foothold again, with their players cleverly swapping positions and flanks.  The Foresters line held firm and when the Ringwood forwards did break through, Wilkinson was more than a match. 

Foresters were to rue not capitalising on the possession and with ten minutes to go Ringwood took the lead with a fine piece of optimism on the left, with their player deftly lobbing in from the angle of the box, although Wilkinson charging back was only a finger tip away from getting back for it.  Two – One.  Foresters pushed to get back in to it, Ottley foraging down the left and Clark let rip with a thunderous first time drive from the right that rippled the side netting.  As Foresters pushed on for the equaliser, the Ringwood striker hustled the last defender and broke free to beat the goalie for Ringwood’s third. 

The result was flattering, a really good all round Foresters performance deserved more in front of Foresters biggest away travelling support of the season. An excellent game, played in the right spirit; bring on the reverse fixture.

Report: Mick Milne

Match Report: Blue Dragons Vs Red Rovers

Date: Saturday 29th March 2024

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

It had been a Long Good Friday without a beer for many Foresters awaiting the latest instalment of Blue Dragons v Red Rovers.  Would this game be a classic like the 1980’s Hoskins and Mirren offering? We were soon to find out.

The Dragons started confidently, passing the ball well and making fast breaks down both flanks and the early pressure told with Jack Farbrother opening the scoring.  The Rovers settled but couldn’t break the offside as the Dragons played a high line. The Dragons pressure continued through the quarter and were awarded a stonewall penalty when Matt Harris was put on his ‘arris by Simon “Monkey”Foul Faul. What followed was an outburst that turned the air bluer than the Dragons’ bibs and more fitting to the gangster movie itself.  Remarkably Faul was not banished to the wilderness and escaped any punishment whatsoever.  When the commotion was over, Matt Thompson calmly stepped up and put his kick to Hinton’s right, the power beating the Rover’s keeper despite him getting a hand to it. 2-0 to the Dragons.  The Rovers briefly came back to life but the Dragon back line held firm and when the through ball did get to Floyd, goalie Wilkinson was a match, pulling off two great saves to keep the Dragon’s advantage. Gradidge hit the bar too but the Rovers were unable to break through. The game could have petered out then but the thriller was only just starting; another attack down the left saw Farbrother nail the best cross for 2,000 years, allowing Parfitt to apply the glossiest of matt finishes:  The ball dropped out of the  heavens for the advancing Parfitt to expertly control first time, one touch on and slotted the ball past Hinton.  3- 0 Dragons before half time and surely game over.  

The Rovers were clearly rattled but put their frustrations aside and reorganised.  Several advances down the wings came to nothing but then a ball over the top saw Floyd spring the offside trap and finish with a delicate lob giving the keeper no chance.  3-1 to the Dragons at half time. 

The second half saw a determined Rovers drive the Dragons back.  Runs from Gradidge, Aldridge and Wicks were plenty and eventually the second came, with Floyd, on fish maybe for good Friday, bagging his second of the game.  3-2.   Could Rovers rise again?  The next goal came from nowhere.  A screamer from Stiles from all of 25 yards saw the Rovers’ equalise with half hour to go. A real “Ganger banger” that kissed the underside of the bar in the right hand corner while still on the up.  Now it was the Dragon’s turn to be rattled, and with Parfitt off the pitch they were unable to maintain the status quo.   Five minutes later and the Rovers were ahead; Aldridge getting to the by-line on the left and doing what everyone does on a bank holiday, he went to Wicks, who showed nifty footwork before putting it in the far bottom corner.  4- 3 to the Rovers

This galvanised the blues for a fight back, Boxell going up front to allow Venditti to drop back allowing him to spray his blue balls around. The attacks kept coming, Boxell punching an effort against the bar and after a goal mouth scramble, would have equalised if it wasn’t for a terrific save by Hinton turning the ball round for a corner.  But luck was not with the Dragons, and as they pushed forward in search of a leveller, Floyd broke free and passed inside for Tyler, who showed calmness to make it 5 – 3 to the Rovers and the resurrection was complete.  But the bumper crowd (recorded as 3) demanded more from this holiday classic, and they got it.  Alfie Moore also hitting the woodwork and setting up a grandstand finish with the Foresters fourth. But despite frantic attacking from the Dragons with Harris and Unwin going close, it was lights out for them and Easter joy for the Rovers.   

So another tight match in this enthralling series. Two worldy goals in a thrilling holiday contest with some eggcellent football on show.

Teams 

Blue Dragons

Wilkinson, Milne, Parfitt, Green, Unwin, Saunders, Farbrother, Moore, Thompson, Boxell, Venditti, Harris

Red Rovers

Hinton, Carter, Hardingson, Faul, Frost, Barber, Gradidge, Stiles, Payne, Wicks, Aldridge, Floyd, Tyler

Ref  - Nick Asamoah

Match Report: AFC Foresters Vs Mottisfont

Date: Saturday 9th March 2024

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

A blowy Ganger Farm hosted a tightly contested match with local rivals Mottisfont. The match was agreed less than a week before by Foresters who commendably hastily assembled a strong team despite the short notice and many playing Friday night. 

The Foresters started well, controlling the first twenty minutes and helping themselves to a two nil lead through.  For the first Rogers playing on the left cut inside and was invited to shoot from distance, which he did with a low drive to the keepers right to open the scoring.  Floyd added the second when he chased down the Mottisfont keeper, who failed to control the bouncing ball,  for Flloyd to steal it from him and pass the ball into an empty net.

A resilient Mottisfont team didn't panic and gradually set up camp within the Foresters half being first with the head to any long clearances as the Foresters looked to push out.  A few well executed passes saw Mottisfont quickly break down their  right hand side and the shot looked destined for the net when Wilkinson dived low to his right with a stunning firm handed save to preserve the two goal lead.  However that was to be short lived, the referee who had turned down three previous optimistic appeals, adjudged a seemingly harmless jump by Johnson to have impeded the Mottisfont striker and awarded a penalty which was dispatched in the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance. Two One.

Foresters got back up the field with Clark and Floyd having a few runs at the Mottisfont defence in the run up to the half time whistle.  The second half saw the Foresters start well building pressure on the Mottisfont box but unable to capitalise. The best chance fell to Rogers but he was unable to add to his tally following a flowing Foresters move, by putting Floyd’s cross over the bar from close range. 

But Mottisfont grew stronger as the game went on stretching the Foresters who couldn't get a foothold in the midfield.  An unfortunate ricochet off Carter’s boot hit his hand and the referee didn't hesitate to award a free kick.  The resultant dead ball found its way through the wall to the bottom left hand corner of the net and Mottisfont were level.

Mottisfont kept up the pressure and five minutes later, were awarded their second spot kick of the game following a foul in the box.  Again, the diving Wilkinson was left with little to no chance as the penalty was blasted straight down the middle. 

In a last throw of the dice, Foresters went back to 4 4 2 and found a new lease of life.  Several quick breaks looked promising but ultimately not really troubling the new Mottisfont goalie, who had previously played midfield.

And the equaliser nearly came thanks to quick thinking from the fleet of foot Floyd who connected with a Foresters clearance first time on the half volley from 25 yards out, only to see it just pass the post.  A final flurry saw Captain Hinton run the length of the pitch only to be thwarted by the outcoming goalie. 

A valiant effort by Foresters, where three dead ball decisions ultimately saw a finely tuned Mottisfont take the spoils.

MoM was Johnson - who just shaded it from all the Foresters that played well.  He formed part of a very strong defence that was only breached by 2 penalties and a short range free kick. 

MM

Team:  Wilkinson, Carter, Faul, Hinton, Johnson, Griffiths, Venditti, Farbrother, Filippi, Moore, Davidson Floyd, Clark, Rogers

Goals; Floyd, Rogers

Referee:   Simpson. (H) 

Match Report: AFC Foresters Vs Wimborne BO66

Date: Friday, 23rd February 2024

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

Friday evening saw Foresters extend their unbeaten run in 2024 with a hard fought home win against Wimborne.  Foresters started the brighter, and played some good early possession against a very decent Wimborne side and soon the "Choppers" had the upper hand.  Dave Floyd latched on to a through ball, used his pace to out sprint the last the defender,  calmly rounded the keeper and then slipped on his carpet slippers with the goal at his mercy - an emergency run to put his boots on soon followed...!!!  

Foresters applied the pressure and on a corner, Craig Vigar making his Foresters, debut in a big pair of shorts, scored the opener with a deft header.

Foresters never let up and Wilkinson in the Foresters net, never got his hands dirty and soon Foresters were 2 up - again, Wimborne failed to clear  a corner and Vigar added his 2nd with a shot that went in off the bar and defender.  

The Wimbone heads dropped and Foresters soon went 3 up with a penalty for handball, calmly converted by Griffiths after another corner set piece caused disarry in the Wimborne goalmouth - all the Friday Football carefully orchestrated set piece plays paying dividends.  3 - 0 half time.  

Second half and Wimborne expectedly came out guns blazing.  For a good 20 minutes, Foresters could not get out of their half and dropped deeper and deeper, and so inevitably Wimborne soon pulled a goal back.  Vigar rounded off a dream debut with his hattrick goal with another header, although this was in his own goal. 

This galvanised Foresters, and they could have and should have added to their tally with 3/4 really good opportunities but the only one effort of note was a Harry Boxhall long range shot that was superbly saved by the Wimbone keeper who tipped over.  The game petered out with neither side threatening, but not before Ottley and their defender had a handbags gentlemens excuse me, that resulted in the pair being booked - another £15 in the Club funds…!  

A good game well refereed by Wicks, and Foresters look forward to the return match in April.

MoM was Vigar - dodgy hat trick, not quite Butterfield fashion, but a great debut nonetheless. 

Next stop is Netley Marsh on Friday 1st March 8.15ko.

Match Report: Blue Dragons vs. Red Rovers

Date: Friday, 16th February 2024

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

The latest round of the newly instigated Monforte Cup kicked off on a surprisingly mild February evening.  The game was the first since the renaming of the Blues as the Dragons and the Reds as the Rovers.   

It was the Rovers who settled soonest and were rewarded with the flying Floyd meeting a pinpoint Gradidge corner. That seemed to wake the Dragons up and they were soon back on level terms with Venditti slotting home calmly after good approach play.  Now fired up the Dragons took the lead when Moore appeared to beat the offside trap only to see the flag go up. Referee Jordan Wicks, discussed with Stockley Park and the goal stood. 2 -1 to the Dragons.  A good spell for Dragons followed, but Clark broke free to beat the well-disciplined Dragons offside trap before crossing from the touch line for Floyd to get his second from close range.  2-2.  There was more to come before the break however with the Dragons re-taking the lead with a Johnson left footer. 3-2 to the Dragons at half time.  

The second half started well for the Dragons but it was the Rovers who made it 3 -3.  Floyd, having refused to go down under challenge, had two shots valiantly saved by a falling Wilkinson before the ball spun free to Clark who netted it in the far corner.  A period of sustained pressure from the Dragons saw several good chances go begging before Whyte finished off a flowing move to give the Dragons the lead again.  It looked like the Dragons were set to pull away and call time on the Rovers as we entered the last ten minutes.  Captain Hinton made a last throw of the dice and brought Floyd back on to get the Rovers biting again.  They threw everything at the Dragons and following good work on the left from Aldridge the ball eventually came back in the box where Vigar volleyed in for 4-4.  The Rovers tails were wagging and waves of Red attacks followed; a Green challenge on Styles saw a penalty awarded. Up stepped Payne but Wilkinson dived to his left to thwart him and gather the ball.  A let off for the Dragons.   But still the Rovers came, and with minutes to go, a Garrett “save” saw referee Wicks pointing to the spot again. This time Terry Griffiths gave Wilkinson no chance as he firmly potted in the left hand corner. And that was that;  the Dragons threw caution to the wind but the puff and magic was not there and it was left to Floyd to break away to complete his hat trick.

MM

Blue Dragons: Wilkinson, Wheeler, Unwin, Moore, Whyte,  Johnson,, Garrett, Green,  Harris,  Milne, Venditti, Davidson,  Boxell, Farbrother J.

Red Rovers: Hinton (c),  Aldridge,  Radford, Gradidge, Floyd,  Payne, Stiles, Vigar, Griffiths, Farbrother K, Prankerd, Clark.

Match Report: Blue Foresters vs. Foresters Reds

Date: Friday, 18th January 2024

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

Ganger Farm was more like Ice Station Zebra as artic conditions prevailed as the first Reds v Blues Intra club game of 2024 commenced for AFC Foresters.  The mercury was at 3 below as the referee, Mr Foresters himself David Venditti, blew the whistle to get the game underway, an achievement in itself, having dashed back from an appointment at the Pierre Luigi Collina eye clinic.  

The first half commenced as a tight affair with Reds looking more likely to score.  They capitalised early when Foresters top scorer Ottley rounded the keeper to slot home.  The Blues could have equalised shortly after following a great run from Garrett Snr who danced around the keeper only to put his final shot just wide.  

As halftime approached it was all Reds and particularly the pace of Floyd testing the Blues defensive high line and eventually after a well -timed run, he fired home for two nil.  The Reds pressure continued with Floyd being thwarted repeatedly by the safe arms of man of the match Wilkinson in the Blues goal or the raised arm of the linesman’s offside flag.  Twice the Reds thought they had scored again, with Floyd and Aldridge both finding the net only to see the frost glistening offside flag held aloft.  

And then the moment of the match;  Floyd’s shot from the right hand side of the box was heading for three nil, top left corner when Wilko dived high to the right and tipped it over the bar to stop Reds from sealing the game.  

Halftime, and by now, the sub-zero temperature was manifesting in ice on the back of everyone’s boots.  After a stern talk from Captain Darragh, the Blues knew they needed to start the second half strongly.  And so they did – following another great save by impeccable Reds keeper Wicks the ball was eeked from his fingers by Darragh to fall to the feet of Butterfield who, despite the frozen conditions, let it go into the top far corner from a narrow angle. Two – one and game on.  

Almost immediately the blues were level, following some patient build up play, the ball fell to Moore on the edge of the box who calmly placed it in the bottom left corner.  The game then threatened to boil over with a booking for the Reds’ stalwart Faul, who was judged to be overzealous with his challenge on the Blues Captain. With both teams tiring, it was a case who would get over the line but momentum was with the Blues.  Harris who’d been increasingly influential on the right in the second half found himself in the centre and following several ricochets, used his happy feet to lob the ball over the approaching keeper to take the lead.  A tight end to the game saw chances at both ends but it was the Blues walking in the air at the final whistle, victorious in what pundits have called “the best intra club game yet”, where every Forester gave their all in a thrilling match.

MM

Blue Foresters: Wilkinson, Wheeler, Unwin, Moore, Whyte, Butterfield, Rogers, Johnson, Darragh (c), Garrett M, Garrett W, Green,  Harris,  Milne.

Foresters Red: Wicks, Hinton (c),  Aldridge,  Lee,  Radford, Ottley, Gradidge, Floyd, Carter, Payne, Stiles, Faul, Griffiths.

Match Report: Corfe Castle vs. AFC Foresters

Date: Sunday, 12th November 2023

Venue: Wareham Recreation Ground 

Weather: Cold, damp and wintery (like a Tuesday night in Stoke)

 Remembrance Sunday saw AFC Foresters returning to winning ways with an awayday fixture against Corfe Castle.

Before the game started both teams observed an impeccable 2 minutes silence on this Remembrance Sunday to remember those who have fallen.

Neither side created any real chances in the opening exchanges, but soon Foresters started to dominate with Danny Butterfield imposing himself in the middle of the pitch ably supported by debutante Farbrother.  Midway through the first half in a rare breaching of the Foresters back line, the Foresters keeper made a poor effort failing to snuff out a speculative through ball, and the onrushing Corfe forward managed to slip the ball past the keeper and the ball rolled into the empty net.  This spurred on Foresters and 5 minutes before the break after a rasping shot from Butterfield which was tipped onto the crossbar, Filippi followed in with an easy header to level it up.   

At the break the message was clear for Foresters, keep the same intensity and the rewards were sure to come, and so it was, soon into the second-half Foresters took the lead with a thunderous drive from the impressive Aldridge, who soon added to his tally with a tap in after the Corfe keeper spilled a shot to make it 3-1 to the visitors.   Aldridge topped off a fine display with an assist for Academy player "H" Butterfield  with a thunderous header to wrap up a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

Throughout the game, the Foresters defence kept the Corfe attack at bay when needed and the defence was superbly marshalled by Hinton, Johnson, Wheeler and Corfe rarely threatened the Foresters goal.

All in all it was a great display and highlighted the depth of the Foresters squad to put out a good team against decent opposition, who play on a far more regular basis than the Forestmen.

There were many contenders for MoTM, but with 2 goals and an assist to his name, Aldridge was the Foresters Starman. 

The next competitive match is under the lights at Gangers against Netley Marsh on Friday 8th December 815ko - tickets on sale now.

AFC Foresters: Farbrother, Aldridge, Ottley, Johnson, Clark, Venditti, Filippi, Clark, Butterfield, Saunders, Hinton, Wheeler, Butterfield, Faul.

Match Report: AFC Foresters vs. Netley Marsh

Date: Sunday, 8th December 2023

Venue: Ganger Farm Sports Complex, Romsey 

Weather: Moist and wintery (but not cold enough for gloves)

AFC Foresters rounded off their competitive matches for 2023 with a hard fought 3 - 3 draw against a youthful Netley Marsh side, under the lights at Ganger Farm on Friday night.

With Milne and Unwin taking the reigns to manage the side, Foresters again shuffled the pack to put out a competitive side against a good Netley team.  The previous encounter earlier in the year saw Foresters edge a close and good spirited matchup, and this game served up much the same.

The early exhanges did not produce much of note, with Foresters moving from a 3 5 2 to a more resolute 4 4 2 and soon this change provided the first goal of the game.  Farbrother with a neat exchange found himself on the edge of the box, and tucked the ball away into the corner with a deft left foot shot.

This spurred on the visitors, but the Foresters defence stood firm, but when a Netley forward drove into the box, Wicks was adjudged to have taken down the forward when it looked more like he had stood on the ball.  The incensed the Foresters management duo of Milne and Unwin, and had there been a 4th official, they would surely have been reprimanded for their remonstrations.

With the penalty converted, Foresters were undeterred, and after the restart played a more measured game, playing the ball to feet, and remaining calmer on the ball.  

With a slick move from front to back,  Aldridge crossed for Johnson to rise unmarked to plant a header firmly into the net giving the Forestermen the lead into the half time break.

After the restart, again both defences were on top, but with 6o minutes gone, Foresters failed to deal with a speculative breakaway, leaving the Netley forward the space to drive a good finish passed an impressive Wicks to bring Netley level.

With the game becoming evermore stretched, it was Foresters who took the lead when Netley failed to clear a Foresters corner.  Lee's towering header was well saved by the Netley keeper, unclear if the save was behind the line Rogers was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the Netley net and claim the goal.

With both sides pressing either for an equaliser or to increase their lead, each had goals disallowed for offside, but it was Netley who drew level with 10 minutes to play, with a scrappy affair when Foresters failed to clear. their lines.

Foresters understandably were flagging somewhat, on the big Gangers pitch against a younger side, and losing players to injuries and near death, as the minutes ticked by, and dropped deeper and deeper to the edge of their box, but eventually saw out a good natured game to deservedly share the spoils.

There were many contenders for MoTM, but with a combative display in the middle of the park and a goal to his credit, Farbrother was the Foresters Starman. 

The next game to complete the year is an Intra Club game on the 22nd December, when the Foresters Saplings take on the Foresters mighty Oaks to see who gets the bragging rights as we enter 2024.

AFC Foresters: Wicks, Venditti, Wheeler, Johnson, Hinton (c), Aldridge, Butterfield, Garrett, Farbrother, Rogers, Lee, Tyler, Radford, Ottley.

Match Report: AFC Foresters vs. Southampton Carpathians

Date: Sunday, 10th September

Venue: Hatches Farm Sports Ground Weather: Very warm and humid conditions

AFC Foresters came up short against Southampton Carpathians on Sunday morning, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

The hosts started the game on the front foot and took the lead after 15 minutes. Carpathians never really troubled the Foresters defence, but they equalized with a very scruffy finish and soon took the lead with a hoof into the box that that sailed into the far top corner out of Lyman’s reach.

Foresters were undeterred and soon retook the lead through Ottley. Carpathians equalized again with another untidy finish, but it was Foresters who were playing the better football.

Down 3-2 at half time, Foresters regrouped and on the re start continued playing good possession football. It was Carpathians who tired and started to leave big gaps in midfield. Griffiths and Gradidge did their utmost to dominate, and Foresters created some really good chances. On another day, they would have been home and hosed.

Unfortunately, this gave extra impetus to Carpathians, who added another three goals to their tally. Foresters responded with two, but it was too little too late. The final score 6-5 to Carpathians.

Key Takeaways

• AFC Foresters were once again forced to make several changes to their squad due to injuries, holidays, birthday parties, and the start of the regular football season.

• The hosts started the game well and took the lead, but they were undone by some scruffy goals.

• Foresters created a whole host of really good chances in the second half, but they were unable to take them.

MoM was Lyman who grew into the game and gained more confidence.  Showed bravery throwing himself at the feet of attackers.

AFC Foresters: Lyman, Atkin, Venditti, Milne, Johnson, Aldridge, Griffiths (c),Whyte, Gradidge, Radford, Ottley, Clark, Prankerd, May, Hinton.

Match Report: AFC Foresters vs. Whitenap

Date: Wednesday, 30th August

Venue: Hatches Farm Sports Ground Weather: Warm conditions

AFC Foresters suffered a heavy defeat to Whitenap on Wednesday evening, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

The hosts were forced to make a number of changes due to injuries and holidays, but they still put out a competitive team. Ryan Foulkes made his debut in goal, while Alfie Moore was handed his first start for AFC Foresters.

The first half was a tight affair, with both sides creating chances. However, it was Whitenap who took the lead in the 25th minute. A corner was not cleared properly and the ball was deemed to have crossed the line according to referee Mr S Wonder.

The referee's decision was controversial, and soon he was to make another bewildering decision judging that Garrett had fouled the attacker and to the amazement of everyone, a penalty was given to make it 2.

The visitors took advantage of Foresters' disorganisation and scored one more before half time.

Foresters regrouped in the second half and played some good football, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Whitenap added two more goals to their tally, but Foresters did get a deserved consolation goal in the closing stages.

The scoreline did not reflect the game, but Foresters can take heart from their performance. Alfie Moore was the stand-out player, putting in a sparkling performance linking up well with his teammates and creating chances.

Manager's Comments:

"I'm proud of the way the players responded in the second half. We played some good football and created chances, but we just couldn't get the ball in the net. We'll take the positives from the game and build on it for next time." - Tim Hinton

News from Hatches is that the board have issued stand-in manager Tim Hinton with a vote of confidence.

AFC Foresters: Foulkes, Venditti, Green, Moore, Aldridge, Thompson, Payne, Gradidge, Darragh (c), Tyler, Ottley, Clark, Prankerd, 

Match Report: AFC Foresters vs. MVF Eastleigh

Date: Sunday, 2nd July

Venue: Oasis Academy Mayfield Weather: Windy conditions

AFC Foresters took on MVF Eastleigh in an exciting clash on Sunday at Oasis Academy Mayfield. With Foresters  struggling for personnel due to injuries, they fielded a makeshift side, including a stand-in goalkeeper. The pitch conditions were challenging, with an abundance of rubber pellets resembling a fetish convention.

The match kicked off with both teams cautiously sizing each other up. The referee's decision-making raised eyebrows, as some questionable calls seemed to favour the home side.  Foresters had to reshuffle the pack early after Tyler had to be replaced with a calf injury.

Midway through the first half, Eastleigh broke through on the left flank, with their attacker appearing offside, but unsurprisingly the flag stayed down. He managed to clip the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, giving Eastleigh a 1-0 lead.  

However, Foresters responded strongly to going behind. They quickly equalized when Rogers played a well-weighted through ball for the impressive Garrett, who skillfully nutmegged the keeper with his left-footed swinger. 

The game seemed destined for a halftime draw, but the referee's unusual decisions continued. He awarded Eastleigh a penalty for what appeared to be an innocuous challenge in the box, allowing them to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Foresters made a few tactical adjustments at the break to turn the tide in their favour, and it did not take long for the changes to have an effect.  Aldridge hauled down on the left led to a free kick.  Rogers fired the ball in for Clark to connect sweeping the ball into the Eastleigh net. The linesman attempted to disallow the goal, but the referee overruled the decision. 

Foresters continued to dominate the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their deserved lead came when Rogers, who had already provided two assists, got on the scoresheet himself. Foresters continued to threaten Eastleigh's defence and should have been awarded a clear penalty when an Eastleigh defender blocked a through ball with his arm. Unfortunately, the referee failed to spot the infringement.

In the final four minutes, Eastleigh pushed for an undeserved equalizer, creating a frantic end to the game. However, the Foresters defence stood firm, denying Eastleigh any further goals. The match concluded with Foresters emerging victorious with a 3-2 scoreline.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Foresters displayed resilience and determination throughout the match, securing a hard-fought victory against MVF Eastleigh - to cap off the day, the Foresters Quiz team continued their unbeated run, trouncing the opposition at the Wellow Cricket Club Quiz night - making this truly a Super Sunday for the Forestmen...

AFC Foresters: Venditti, Radford, Saunders, Hardingson, May, Filippi, Aldridge, Thompson, Rogers, Garrett (c), Tyler, Abbott, Clark.

In the latest instalment of the AFC Foresters IntraClub matches, played on a hot and steamy early Summer eveing at Ganger Farm, the Blues displayed excellent control and leadership, thanks to the expert marshalling of Milne on the back of a victorius week following the Irons in Prague.

Milne set the tone for the game by winning the toss, giving the Blues an advantageous start and allowing them to dictate the flow of the match. 

With Milne's guidance, the Blues established their dominance and went on to secure a convincing victory. His strategic decisions and ability to command the team contributed significantly to their success on and off the field.

Blue Foresters unleashed their new signing, Mike "Ronnie" Radford, who made an instant impact and earned him the Man of the Match accolade by scoring two on his debut.

Blue Foresters started the game strongly, taking an early 2-0 lead before Ottley of Foresters Red pulled one back after springing the Blues offside trap (helped with no linesman) to make it 2-1. The first half concluded with a narrow 3-1 advantage in favour of Blue Foresters.

In the second half, Blue Foresters managed to extend their lead, gradually pulling away from Foresters Red. The Blues displayed excellent teamwork and clinical finishing,ultimately emerging as 7-2 winners. The score could have been heavier without Foulkes in the Reds goal producing a string of world class saves to keep the Reds in it.

However, the game was not without controversy. Blue Foresters suffered a setback when Saunders received a controversial red card for allegedly hauling down 'Buck' Rogers, who was through on goal.  The Blues were incensed as they felt that Buck went down extremely easily (much like Saints) and with Steve"VAR" Hardingson in the pub, the decision stood.

This incident marred an otherwise spirited contest.  It is understood that Blue Foresters will be appealing the automatic 3 match ban.

Additionally, Foresters Red had to contend with slight injuries to Faul and Ottley, adding to their challenges during the match.

Despite the outcome, the IntraClub game exhibited the talent and determination of both Blue Foresters and Foresters Red. The match highlighted the debut of Mike "Ronnie" Radford as he impressed with his performance and goal-scoring ability. Foresters Red will regroup and aim to bounce back stronger in their next fixture.

Overall, it was another thrilling encounter with moments of controversy and individual brilliance.

With mounting number of injuries, the AFC Foresters medical team will be on double time as the stage is now set for the upcoming eagerly anticipated Summer Sizzler event, where fans can look forward to an exciting display of football where the player can showcase their skills and compete in a festive atmosphere.

On Saturday 27th of May 2023, AFC Foresters welcomed the newly reformed Blackfield & Langley from the ashes of Hythe & Dibdenat Hatches Farm Sports Ground.

In scorching conditions, Blackfield & Langley Vets faced off against Foresters in a highly anticipated match. The Blackfield side, composed of younger players who had previously played for Hythe & Dibden and had clinched the league title two seasons ago, were looking to make their mark once again. Foresters, on the other hand, aimed to put up a strong challenge against their formidable opponents.

The game kicked off with both teams showing early signs of determination. However, an unfortunate turn of events led to Foresters conceding an early penalty. Blackfield capitalized on the opportunity, converting the spot-kick to take an early lead. Undeterred, Foresters continued to press forward, seeking an equalizer.

As the first half progressed, Foresters' efforts paid off when Rob Clark found the back of the net, leveling the scoreline at 1-1. The goal injected renewed confidence into the Foresters' side, and they started to play some impressive football, gradually growing into the game.

However, a costly error in the second half allowed Blackfield to regain the lead. This setback put Foresters on the back foot as the heat began to take its toll on the players. Despite their best efforts to keep up with the pace, Foresters wilted in the scorching conditions, allowing Blackfield to capitalize on their fatigue.

In the final 15 minutes of the match, Foresters conceded three more goals, ultimately succumbing to a 1-5 defeat. The result did not reflect the overall contest, as Foresters had put up a valiant effort against a skilled Blackfield side. The heat played a significant role in shaping the outcome, as the conditions took a toll on the players' energy levels.

Despite the loss, Foresters can take away positives from the game, particularly their resilience and the quality of football they showcased as the match progressed. Blackfield & Langley Vets proved to be a formidable opponent, highlighting the competitive nature of the match.

Overall, it was a well-contested game, with both teams demonstrating their determination and skill. Blackfield emerged victorious with a convincing scoreline, but Foresters showed glimpses of their potential, promising better performances in the future.

The only black spot on the day was a nasty injury to Martin Green which puts him out for around 6 weeks missing the next Intra Club game and the upcoming Summer Sizzler Tournament - we wish him a speedy recovery.

AFC Foresters: Hildon,, Wheeler, Hinton (c), Johnson, Faul, Garrett, Green, Payne, Gradidge, Ottley, Clark, Davidson, Tyler, Venditti.

On Sunday 14th of May 2023, AFC Foresters and Netley Marsh faced off in their first ever meeting at Hatches Farm Sports Ground, on a rare scorchio day in 2023. It was a closely contested match, with AFC Foresters ultimately coming out on top winning 3-2.

After the early exchanges, both teams soon adapted to the hard bumpy surface and overly long grass, but it was Marsh who took the lead early in the game. Foresters undaunted pressed forward and the pressure soon told when at a corner an ariel challenge from the impressive Johnson led to a Marsh defender putting into his own net.  The game ebbed to and frow but at half time neither side could add to ther tally going in on level terms.

The second half brought on much the same as the tail end of the first period with neither side able to edge in front, but midway through the half it was Marsh that regained the lead following a sweeping move down their left side, culminating with a well constructed tap in for the rushing in Marsh forward.

This only galvanised Foresters, and chasing down a lost cause, Green was rewarded with his efforts by charging down the Marsh ‘keepers attempted clearance resulting in the ball rolling in to the unguarded net.

With the game level again, and the clock ticking down, both teams pressed for what would surely be the winner, and with 10 minutes to go, the clincher came from a somewhat unlikely source, and, following a Foresters corner, Garrett rose majestically to thump home an unstoppable header past the Marsh keeper to register and claim the win for the Forestmen. 

The game was played in good spirit with no injuries to either side, and Garrett was the only player to blot his copybook with a yellow card.  Minette the Foresters keeper once again put in a commanding performance when called upon,with a number of great saves to keep the opposition at bay.

Overall, a well contested game, but it was AFC Foresters' on the back of their recent European excursion that helped them return to winning ways, and they will surely look to build on this result in their next game against Blackfield in a fortnight.

AFC Foresters: Minette, Atkin, Hinton (c), Johnson, Faul, Rogers, Payne, Venditti, Garrett, Ottley, Clark, Whyte, Hardingson, Green, Unwin (still injured).

Ferregem put on a dominant performance against AFC Foresters in a match played at the Campo de Futebol de Vale do Lobo, Portugal. 

The veteran Portugese ex-pros from Benfica, Sporting, and Newcastle United (!) showed their quality against a team of not quite ex-pros from England who fair to say had had probably less than 8 hours sleep between them since arriving in Portugal.

Despite early exchanges, Ferregem began to take control of the game and showed their class on the field. The carpet like pitch was in excellent condition, and the hot weather did not deter either team from giving it their all.

At halftime, the score was already 5-1 in favour of the home side, with Ottley scoring the lone goal for AFC Foresters. The second half was much of the same affair, with Ferregem continuing to dominate play and score goals seemingly at will, although Ottley scored again for the visitors, the final scoreline was 10-2 in favor of Ferregem.

This victory comes on the back of a previous win for Ferregem against a Bradford City ex-pro select, which shows their continued form and dominance on the pitch.

Overall, it was a convincing performance by Ferregem, who put on a clinic with their skills and teamwork. Despite the result, AFC Foresters can hold their heads up high and be proud of their efforts against a team of such high calibre.

AFC Foresters (L to R): Unwin (injured), Faul, May, Stiles, Saunders, Johnson, Fielden, Milne (c), Filippi, Dowse, Tyler, Ottley, Cordeiro, Stevenson, Clark, Whyte, Whittall, Venditti.

The latest instalment of the AFC Foresters Intra-club match was played at Ganger Farm on Friday 21st April as Hatches was still underwater due to the recent heavy rains.

The match between Foresters Red and Blue Foresters is always an exciting and closely fought contest, and this game proved no different, with both teams evenly matched. However, it was Blue Foresters who were able to convert their chances better, taking a 3-2 lead into half-time.

In the second half, Blue Foresters continued to dominate the game, playing with greater cohesion and scoring at regular intervals. Despite their best efforts, Foresters Red were unable to mount a comeback, and the game ended with a final score of 10-4 in favor of Blue Foresters.

Following the match, some members of the team will be representing Club and Country in a match against Ferregem in Portugal next week. This promises to be an interesting challenge, and the players will need to be focused and disciplined to perform at their best.

The next Intra-club match will take place on Friday, 9th June at Hatches Sports Ground, and will be played on grass. Fans can look forward to another exciting encounter between Foresters Red and Blue Foresters, as they continue to showcase their skills and passion for the game.

Reds: Hildon, Atkin, Unwin, Faul, Saunders, Johnson, Griffiths, Whyte, Gradidge, Darragh, Tyler.

Blues: Foulkes, Parfitt, Hinton, Green, Milne, Aldridge, Venditti, Payne, Garrett, Ottley, Rogers

The Reds would have wanted to keep things tight and show their quality in moments throughout the game but after a cagey start, it was the Blues who carved out the first opening springing on a counter attack from a Reds corner with a slick move resulting in Ottley adding to his Foresters tally.

The opener diminished any confidence for the Reds, and failing to clear a Blues corner, the balled dropped invitingly for Venditti who could hardly miss to make it two.

The Blues continued to dominate the game but it was the Reds who came closest to adding to the score first by hitting the upright soon to be followed with Unwin crashing a towering header against the bar with Foulkes beaten.

This seemed to spur the Blues on though and again a quick incisive move put Rogers through who tucked the ball away to extend their lead.

The Reds then settled down and started gaining in confidence from the early setbacks,  the Blues were pegged back and pressure eventually told with Gradidge getting the Reds up and running pulling one goal back.

With the 1st half drawing to a close, a Blues corner was not dealt with and under pressure from the returning Clark, saw Unwin turn the ball into his own net at the near post.

After the break both sides continued to try and impose their superiority, The Reds deperate to get back into the game and the Blues looking to control the match, but it was the Reds that started to dominate, with Gradidge adding to his earlier goal.  Ottley netted for the Blues and again the Reds came back with Stephens getting in on the action with a goal for the Reds. 

Margins were small and the Blues never really got away from the Reds, and it always felt that the Reds could get back into the game, and with the Reds pushing to make the final stages nervy for the Blues, Payne volled in from a Rogers cross on the right to make the final score 6 -3.

Next up for Foresters is a return to the Friday Football schedule with the next installment of the Reds v Blues Intra Club rivalry scheduled for Saturday 8th April at 3pm and a return to grass at the Hatches Farm Sports Ground.

On an unusually balmy February evening, Foresters returned to competitive action with a rematch against Hurstborne at the Charlton Athletic Stadium Ground in Andover. 

In an unprecedented move the newly formed team selection committee met in a dark smokey room In the Rover to set out a game plan to take on the upcoming opponents, and for the first time the team was announced well in advance. 

Keen to ensure that they did not succumb to the same capitulation as had been witnessed in the previous game against the same opponents, when Foresters were 5 down within the first 15 minutes, the team were well prepared for the inevitable early exchanges.

The defence this time were expertly marshalled by centre backs Hinton and Johnson, and they were ably assisted with the Foresters two youngsters, Aldridge on the left and Thompson on the right side easily adapting to the physicality of the game, and as the match went on grew into their new roles. 

There was nothing between the sides for the first 20 minutes with both sides probing, then with a soft free kick awarded for a foul on the right side of the Foresters defence, the resultant free kick missed everybody and gently drifted into the far corner of the net.

Undeterred, Foresters were soon on the front foot pushing Hurstbourne back, playing the ball to feet, Foresters forged an opening on the right and Gradidge’s shot was too hot to handle for the Hurstbourne keeper and the ball nestled into the goal.

On the restart, it was Foresters this time on the back foot as Hurstbourne tried to impose themselves, but with the Foresters midfield comfortable and the defence screened by Griffiths, it would take something freakish or sublime to unlock the Foresters defence, but it was the former that did for Foresters, and a through ball by Hurstbourne took a number of ricochets, landing with the ball at the feet of their centre forward who was through on goal, a rushing Hildon could not quite get to it as the ball just crept in by the post, 2-1 to Hurstbourne.

Again, Foresters looked to impose themselves and with some delightful football, pressure was put onto the Hurstbourne defence, and unable to clear, the ball came out to Garrett who calmly slotted the ball home.

With half time looming, a break from Hurstbourne and another soft goal was conceded – half time 3 – 2 to Hurstbourne.

The Foresters changes were all made seamlessly, Ottley, Darragh, Stiles, Stephens, Tyler, Garrett, Gradidge and Easton comfortably rolling on and off to keep the opponents thinking and a fluid formation change from 4 -1 - 4 -1 to a 4 – 1 – 3 – 2, however, inevitably they were always chasing the game. 

With Foresters pushing for the equaliser, and Hurstbourne looking to catch them on the break with the long ball over the top, Hurstbourne edged 2 ahead with another scrambled finish after a fantastic stop by Hildon pushing a shot on to the bar but the rebound fell to a Hurstbourne attacker and with a player blocking Hildon’s view, the ball rolled into the net.

Foresters are made of sterner stuff these days and again took the game to Hurstbourne, with Griffiths now dictating the game, he was now pushing further forward and a Hurstbourne scruffy clearance dropped to his feet and he smashed it into the Hurstbourne net, 4 – 3.

With time running out, Foresters pressed for a deserved equaliser and only some last ditch defending against Easton stopped him from opening his Foresters account.

In the dying moments of the game another long ball clearance fell fortuitously to a Hurstbourne attacker and again the ball crept agonisingly into the Foresters net.

Foresters can definitely count themselves unlucky to have come away empty handed.

Full time Hurstbourne 5, Foresters 3.