A new game plan paid off for Waltham Forest men, who edged to a 5-4 win over Cambridge University.

Forest deployed a 3-4-1-2 formation aimed at giving the defence more protection and it seemed to work early on as Forest took a 3-0 lead into half-time.

The second half saw Cambridge using their pace and fluidity to really attack, as the pace of the game upped Forest’s inability to hold onto possession proved costly and Cambridge scored three goals without reply.

In a good period of play Forest forced a short corner which Luce da Silva finished with aplomb and shortly after the visitors made it 5-3.

Cambridge still carried a sting in their tail and at a short corner with about seven minutes to go they scored a drag flick but Forest held on for the win.

Forest ladies, pictured, were less successful as they lost 2-1 against Gore Court.

Lucy Butcher put Forest ahead but failed to add to their lead and were made to pay as their opponents fought back to steal victory.