FOREST SCHOOL’S under-13s football team would have been forgiven for writing off their chances of winning the ISFA Cup final upon seeing the name of a former West Ham great on their opponents’ teamsheet.

The presence of a ‘Dowie’ lining up on the other side of the halfway line would strike fear into any junior team. But this particular striker was the son of former Hammers forward Iain, and part of a Bolton side who had scored 28 goals in four matches prior to the final, held at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium.

Forest found themselves two goals down by half-time, but they battled back after the break, Daniel Adasonla netting with 15 minutes to go.

However, despite a late surge, the local side could not find the all-important equaliser.

The team’s magnificent run in the competition owed to a number of outstanding performances. The versatile Will Samuel and his goalkeeping brother Rob, as well as captain Alfie Shannon, Oliver Sales, Tayo Felstead and Faizaan Hussain all excelled in the final. Luke Flood, James Barbour, Alex Mallalieu, Sam Aylott, Joshua Lincoln, Michael Okafor-Reatus and Joel Donnelly also played key parts.

Elsewhere, Woodford’s U15 rugby team were crowned Essex Division One champions after a 40-5 win over Chelmsford.

In their debut season in the division, the team wrapped up victory thanks to a brace of tries from Matt Grogan, while Ian Bukenya, Liam Sanderson, James Piras and Alex Stroud also scored in the win.

The team have the chance to make it a prestigious double after reaching the final of the Essex Cup with a 44-5 victory over Braintree.

Dan Matautia, Cameron Dutch, Ashley Somers, Matt Grogan and James Piras all scored before Brad Burrell rounded off the game with two tries.

Meanwhile, Colebrook Royals U11s celebrated a trophy win of their own after their 3-1 Echo Division C Cup final victory over Harold Hill. Two goals from Finn Hutton and another from Charlie Hankin secured the historic win.

Snaresbrook U21s defeated Barn Sports to reach the final of the Chelmsford League Cup, with a stunning double from Ricky Briggs securing the victory.

Redbridge Ladies U15s were rolled over by the Ockendon Rhinos in the Essex County Girls League, 5-2, despite a battling performance.