Hobnob's final game of the season saw them travel to Arborfield to take on Forest FC. It's a ground that many of the players know well and an opposition that they only met two weeks ago. After last week's drubbing, new manager Ian Pulfer had a few decisions to make, decisions that were made easier by the availability of Will Rimmer. The tall centre half seemed to still bee feeling the effects of a heavy night but he was grateful to manager 'Polo' to be in the team. He came in at the back for Tom Robertson and a bit of a rejig saw Jim Phillips drop in next to him and Dan Hare moving out to the wing. Dan Robertson's goal last week was rewarded with a place in the starting line up at the expense of Rob Walker.
It was a lovely sunny day as the game got underway and Hobnob looked like a different side. There had been an easy, laid back air about the side before the game and that's how they started the game. L'Heureheux and Miles were looking to to shift the ball around in midfield and Tiltman was showing his usual keeness to get forward on the left. Despite this though they were struggling to keep the ball and were fortunate that Forest displayed a complete inability to run the line and were consistently offside. The few balls that they did get right were dealt with by Chapman. There was a lack of intesity going forward and slowly the calm demeanour began to disappear and the Hobnob players began sniping at each other. For the second game in a row a player was gulity of taking a throw in from the wrong place and much like before, players were more interested in whinging than conentrating on their game. The end result was a lack of togetherness that stopped any attacking flow. It was just as well that the back four were playing so well and they could go in at half time all square aat 0-0.
The second half concentrated more on getting the ball to the flanks were there was so much space. Luke Walker managed to get a good cross in for Dan Robertson who slightly misjudged it and headed it over. In fact the second half saw many more chances for Hobnob, Robertson couldn't quite wrap his left foot around a shot and Pulfer drew a great save from the keeper from a free kick. When the opening goal did come it was from a rare foray down the flanks, this time it was Hare who powered down the left and drilled the ball across goal. The defender, with a bit of help from Robertson could only bundle it across his own line. In the game a few weeks ago Hobnob took advantage of Forest switching off straight after the goal, which makes it all the more frustrating that they got their revenge in the same way. Less that two minutes after the goal their striker got in behind the defence and showed great composure to sell Phillips and Chapman with his touch and smack in the equaliser.
Both teams had half chances to win it. Chapman pulled out a Hollywood save to tip over the bar and at the other end Rob Walker's shot went wide. Neither team can really complain with the point but both will probably be frustrated that they couldn't find a winner.
