Forest Green Rovers and FC Lakeside finally got this league cup quarter-final fixture underway after two previous cancellations. Lakeside started off by playing down the slope with the wind behind them. Lakeside were soon into their stride as they began to pressurise Forest Green all over the park. This pressure was soon rewarded when Sam James, who had linking up well with Luke Hitchman, was able to cross for Budd Nicholson, who volleyed home from outside the box to register Lakeside’s 1st goal of the game. Lakeside continued to keep possession and create a host of chances. In the 14th minute, a free kick from Cameron Smith was perfectly weighted for Kurt Burrows, who was able to head past the Forest Green keeper to extend Lakeside’s lead further. Almost from the restart, Cameron regained possession and played the ball out wide to Liam Powell, who’s darting run lead to the right back unleashing an unstoppable strike from outside the box into the top corner. Although Forest Green were seeing their fair share of the ball, Lakeside restricted Forest Green to a couple of long ranged efforts, none of which was enough to trouble the Lakeside back five. Josh Pugh’s free kick in the 23rd minute was successfully palmed away by the keeper, only for Cameron to score from the rebound; however, Cameron was denied his first goal of the game when the referee overruled the lines man to disallow what seem to be a perfectly legitimate goal. With the rain pouring down, Lakeside were going into half time having worked extremely hard and scoring three fantastic goals, however, Lakeside were well aware that they were going to be in for a busy second half.
In the 44th minute, Kurt Burrows linked up well with strike partner Bradley Barnard, whose great strike unfortunately rattled the crossbar. With Lakeside playing extremely well, Lakeside were able to introduce striker Craig Graham on the 62nd minute, who was able to get his first taste of football for Lakeside. Forest Green, now playing with three strikers, were able to reduce the score on the 65th minute, when the pacey striker advanced towards goal and slotted the ball under the advancing keeper Rob Jones. Forest Green were denied a second goal two minutes later, when Rob Jones blocked the initial shot from point blank range, with Forest Green placing the resulting rebound narrowly past his post to the relief of Lakeside. The defence of Liam Powell, Harry Mansell, Josh Pugh and Mike Lloyd were working tirelessly to keep Forest Green at bay; with the Lakeside midfield also working hard to contain the threat posed by Forest Green. Lakeside continued to pose a threat to Forest Green, often hitting the ball long to create opportunities for Kurt and Craig.
With the final score of 3-1, Lakeside convincingly booked their place in the semi-final with Beeches, after playing some quality football and demonstrating great commitment and determination throughout the 2nd half.
Bookings: Luke Hitchman (56th minute), Forest Green Rovers (56th minute and 67th minute
Managers Man of the Match: Sam James
Players Man of the Match: The Team
