The first game in October saw Forest Row, of division 1, visit The Rec in the first round of the Montgomery Cup - Buxted eventually winning a closely fought battle 3-2 after extra time.

White, Cairns, Mumford and Penfold were all injured while Bonella had left for University, although Harrison returned and Andy McPhail got his first call up of the season. We started the game solidly and passing the ball around well, but we were unable to find the initial break through until just before halftime. Phil Pedley slotting home from the spot after he was brought down by the keeper as he latched on to a Brian Gow through ball. The lead did not last too long as Forest Row equalised within 15 minutes of the second half starting, capitalising on a defensive slip to score with a back post header. Both sides continued to create chances but were unable to score a second goal and with the score line at 1-1 the game went into extra time. We lost Phil Pedley to injury while Martin Verrall was put up front as he struggled with an injury. Forest Row were the first to strike scoring early in extra time to take the lead for the first time – going behind had a positive effect as Buxted went straight on the attack. We were not behind for long and equalised thanks to a great strike from Lee Stevens – picking up the ball on the left side of the box near the goal line he cut inside and curled his shot over the keeper and into the far corner. Not satisfied with getting level we continued to pressurise Forest Row and when Tim Burchett delivered a free kick from the right side it was flicked on by Harrison at the near post and makeshift striker Verrall put us back in front. 3-2 was how it finished and we will meet Cuckfield Town in Round 2.

 

 

1	Matt Clift
2	Martin Verrall
3	Richard Ambrose
4	Tim Burchett (C)
5	Dale Mayhew
6	Brain Gow
7	Kevin McDougall
8	Neil Felstein
9	Lee Stevens
10	Phil Pedley
11	Dale McIvor
12	Andy McPhail
14	Karl Harrison
15
	Goal Scorers: Phil Pedley, Lee Stevens, Martin Verrall