Charnwood Forest end year on a high note

CHARNWOOD FOREST 1ST XI 6 SIKH UNION NOTTS 1ST XI 1

AFTER a week off due to the cold snap, Charnwood returned to action for their final game of the year against Sikh Union Notts. Keen to finish the year on a high Charnwood named a strong squad for the game against a team in the bottom four.

As has become a bit of a trademark, the home team began quickly and scored the opener after only three minutes, Liam Allen getting his fifth of the season.

A second goal followed in the opening 10 minutes with Steve Livingstone deflected home a Tommy Wright hit, for this first of the season. Sikh looked to play on the break with a high striker but solid defensive work by Jim Ewing, Alex Dennett and Gaz Gamble prevented any threat.

Two more goals followed later in the first half with Joe Clare following up a rebounded short corner and Allen getting his second as he slipped the ball under the keeper. In the second half, Sikh tightened up their defensive efforts and put men behind the ball to stifle Forest attacks. Livingstone did grab his second with 20 minutes remaining to put any doubts about the game to bed. Sadly, a clean sheet remains illusive for the side as a break by the high man could not be contained and he calmy got one back for the away side.

Though the final word went to Forest as Allen completed his hat-trick with a rocket into the top corner, glancing the bar on its way in. A pleasing performance for the team to round out the year as they sit among the promotion contenders.

The 2nd XI had a great away with beating rivals Barton 2nd XI 4-0, Tom Brotherhood and James Whyte both with braces. The 3rd XI took on high flying Loughborough Town 4th XI and came out on the wrong end of a 7-1 loss, Phil Sign with a penalty flick goal on his debut.

Charnwood 4th XI also lost out in a tight game with Rugby 6th XI, 3-2. However, some great goals from Aran Nagra and Paul Cleminson gave some festive cheer.

Charnwood Ladies lost a tough away fixture 2-1 to Barton 1st XI, Ellie Langworthy grabbing another goal for the season. In the mixed competition, The As drew 3-3 with Bedouins, Max Dymond, Izzy Smith and Ashton Rudd on the scoresheet. Finally, Hermitage lost 2-1 to Rutland, D’nica Roff grabbing the late consolation goal.