Lakeside went into this tough league encounter forced into making a series of positional changes due to the fact the squad was down to a bare eleven. Lakeside began the game the brighter of the two teams and from the early pressure Forest Green found themselves penned into their own half for long periods. Lakeside’s best chances came from a couple of corners which saw Luke Hitchman’s headers just going over the bar. Cameron Smith and Kurt Burrows also saw good efforts saved by the Forest Green keeper. In the 20th minute, it was the home side which took a surprise lead when a great strike from 20 yards out left Rob Jones with no chance. Lakeside’s spirits was not dampened and the players continued to press Forest Green.
Before half time, Lakeside were back on equal terms after Luke Hazard’s long ball found Cameron Smith whose cross was met by Kurt who was on hand to finish. Forest Green continued to create a couple of good chance, which saw Rob Jones making two great saves in the 32nd minute to keep the scores level. Lakeside finished the first half the stronger of the two teams.
Going into the second half, Lakeside were looking to continue their good performance but be more clinical in front of goal. In the 42nd minute, after some neat football starting from the back, it was Cameron’s ball that found Kurt in space who proceeded to pick his spot to put Lakeside 2-1 up. The next goal in this competitive game was going to be decisive as both teams were pushing forward looking to take all three points. Lakeside’s defence of Luke Hazard, Josh Pugh, Harry Mansell and Sam James continued to come out on top; breaking up all the Forest Green attacks. In the 53rd minute, it was Josh who was on hand to set up Kurt for his hat trick, taking his total to 20 goals of the season. One minute later, Lakeside made the points safe when right midfielder Liam Powell found Cameron, who was on hand to fire past the helpless home keeper. Craig was also having another fine game on the left side of midfield, with Bradley Barnard also putting in a good shift in the centre of midfield alongside Luke Hitchman. It was no surprise when Lakeside added a fifth goal on the 71st minute, with Luke Hitchman scoring a half volley after Kurt’s initial effort.
Managers Man of the Match: Kurt Burrows
Players Man of the Match: Kurt Burrows
