Forest’s hard work brings Shield glory

5:40pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Waltham Forest 4
Newham 1
(Essex Schools Welsh Shield U13s final) WALTHAM Forest were supposed to be the underdogs in this final, played at the West Ham academy ground at Little Heath.

But after an earlier convincing defeat by Newham, they scrapped the form guide in the first five minutes when they scored two goals, both netted by Lewis Meyer (Chingford).

It was a fiercely contested game with both teams trying to play attractive football.

The Forest midfield pairing of Craddock (Leytonstone) and Barrett (Heathcote) was made to work hard and it was backed up by Krasniqi (Rush Croft) and Roberts (Chingford) at the heart of the defence.

In the second-half, Forest increased their lead with goals by Jermaine Osei (Rushcroft) and another from Meyer to complete his hat-trick. Newham grabbed a late consolation.

Waltham Forest team manager Paul Hobbs, from Norlington School, said afterwards: "The boys fully deserved this victory, they have worked hard and played good football and have come a long way this season.

"They are also in the final of the London Cup. A lot of credit has to go to Mike Davis who developed this side over the past two years."

Pictured is the successful Waltham Forest team:
(Back l-r): Paul Hobbs (manager), Ben Rimmer (Leytonstone), George Craddock (Leytonstone), Gideon Mukano (Leytonstone), Afalabi Obefemi (Chingford), Kreshnik Kresniqi (Rush Croft), William East (Rush Croft), Tim Monsheju(Warwick), Carl Young (Chingford), Daniel Owusu (Norlington). (Front left to right): Jermaine Osei (Rush Croft), Reece Barrett (Heathcote), Joseph Wright (Highams Park), Nick Roberts (capt, Chingford), Daniel Shrimplin (Chingford), Lewis Meyer (Chingford)

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