The top of the table clash played in grimy, cold wet conditions.

This match was worth the watch, if you were a neutral and you had warmers! Two teams going hell for leather against each other. The game was always highly anticipated, given that Sevenoaks had been unbeaten so far this season. They are a well-managed side with a great group of coaches. They have traditionally played great football from years gone by.

As an example of the rivalry, last season we were involved with a 3-3 draw where we managed to scrape a last-minute goal to steal a point. Therefore, the whole squad knew the expectations of today's game. They had been challenged to step up and take ownership of the match.

The game started quite tentatively from both sides, and given the gusty, rainy conditions, both teams attempted to adapt to the awful conditions. We were fortunate today that the match was not cancelled, and that we were playing on a 3G pitch.

After 10 minutes Foresters Rangers took the lead with a well taken shot from an acute angle that beat the keeper. The shot itself looked tame but squeezed through, perhaps a bobble. Sevenoaks looked as if they were taken aback, not suggesting that they were arrogant, but since they were unbeaten all season they certainly felt aggrieved to be behind. Their strength is their passing and moving into space to receive and distribute the ball. Sevenoaks are a possession-based team, but Foresters play a high pressing game upsetting their rhythm. Many of the Sevenoaks team have played together for a number of years, and that was illustrated by the teamwork on display. They continue to be, definitely, a well drilled side. For Foresters it was going to be important to try to score another goal to create breathing space and keep control.

Five minutes before the end of the first half after some sustained pressure Sevenoaks managed to squeeze a shot through at the near post following a corner. The Forester’s goalkeeper was caught unawares.

Half time came and the teams were certainly evenly balanced, perhaps with Foresters edging it.

The battle for midfield was attritional, hard, coupled with strong tackling and good passing out to the flanks. Foresters’ right midfielder certainly was working very hard in supporting going forward, but also tracking back to help the right back. He deserved to be man of the match. Foresters made 3 substitutions at half time in order to rest some of the players for the last 20 minutes of the game. This proved crucial.

On 48 minutes Foresters took the lead from a long shot on goal from one of the midfielders. The ball arrowed low into the corner and left the Sevenoaks goalkeeper stranded. It was no more than Foresters deserved as the certainly had been assertive from the start of the second half.

Eight minutes later Foresters took a 3-1 lead. The midfield had been pushing forward running at the centre of the Sevenoaks defence and foul was conceded some 25 yards out. One of our central midfielders who has a very good strike on him sized up the opportunity, stepped back, and slotted the ball into the top left-hand corner. The Sevenoaks goalkeeper didn’t stand a chance. There was certainly jubilation from the sidelines, and much patting on the back from the team, but as junior sports tales tells you, it’s important not sit back on your laurels at this level. You have to sometimes fear the retribution that may be handed out.

Sevenoaks showed an enormous amount of courage and endeavour to see if they could claw back. It was that point that I, as manager reminded them of last season’s match where we stole that point in the very last minute under very similar circumstances.

Foresters dropped deep with both the left and right midfielders closing the gaps and working with their full backs to stop the ball on the flanks. A couple of near misses occurred from Sevenoaks, one where the corner was taken short creating an angle for a cross, and the ball nearly went in at the back post. Foresters were very fortunate. Five minutes later Sevenoaks forced Foresters were deep in the penalty area and the Sevenoaks striker had a great opportunity, fortunately Foresters goalkeeper pulled off a magnificent save to keep it at 3-2

The last 10 minutes of the game was helter-skelter with the tackles and commitment at its highest. Two minutes before the end of normal time however Foresters central midfielder got an opportunity from a rebound to half volley a shot into the opposition’s goal to make it 4-2. A wonderful strike, nothing more than what was deserved by the team for their hard work. To the victor the spoils, to the vanquished another day perhaps.

No doubt the rest of the season will have some interesting games and Foresters will continue to grow in confidence and strength. this superb result against a very good side.