Gabriel is heaven sent after 'bizarre' hat-trick (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Gabriel is heaven sent after 'bizarre' hat-trick

1:36pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in

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WALTHAM FOREST were victorious in the local derby with rival club Leyton, thanks to a very unlikely hat-trick.

Forest striker Danny Gabriel netted three times against three different Leyton goalkeepers.

After the 3-1 win, deputy Forest boss Terry Malin described the rare feat by Gabriel as ‘bizarre’.

“I’ve never seen the like. Their first-choice keeper hurt his rib, and the substitute hurt his groin. That left the centre-back,” said a surprised Malin.

The result puts Forest 12th in Ryman League Division One North.

But for Leyton it extended a winless run which goes all the way back to October last year. Richie Edwards got their goal on Saturday.

And it ended a week to forget for the Lilywhites.

Chairman Costas Sophocleous was jailed for massive VAT fraud last Thursday. He has now left the club.

But for Forest boss Phil Miles and Malin there was plenty to celebrate.

“It means a lot,” said Malin. “The board members were very happy because it is the first time Forest have done the double over Leyton in a long time, so there were a few big smiles.”

But Malin had sympathy for Leyton.

“They are a young side and are struggling for players, it’s hard for them. The team they had out looked okay going forwards.”

Forest welcome Romford to Cricklefield on Saturday, and will be looking for another win.

“We are a bit inconsistent,” said Malin. “We play well and then turn in a bad defeat when we give away three atrocious goals like we did at Potters Bar Town (January 23).

“Last time we played Romford we were 3-1 down with five minutes to go. We pulled it back, but did not play well.”

After Romford is a home league clash on Wednesday, against Thamesmead Town.

Off the pitch, and the defender who arrived at Forest after a spell playing for FC Barcelona has departed for Denmark.

“Camp Nou to Cricklefield is quite some drop,” said Malin of Samuel Okunowo, 30. “There’s some talk he will be back, and he did well while he was here. Let’s wait and see.”

Meanwhile, Leyton did at least start this week a little brighter, with a 1-1 draw against Wingate & Finchley on Tuesday. They travel to Maldon this Saturday.

In the Premier Division, Waltham Abbey’s plight continued with a 1-0 home defeat by Cray Wanderers at the weekend.

Abbey have a tough trip to Wealdstone to contend with this Saturday.