Since competing with each other from the early days in the Kent County league, this match didn't have the usual zest or spice from past years, but still, both sides put on an eventful display at Foxbury Avenue.

The hosts - In the guise of Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey FC - had started to produce positive results in the majority of their last 6 competitive matches, as have been Forest Hill...so it would appear this fixture had the trappings of an entertaining game......

Forest Hill enjoyed the better of a well fought encounter but were unable to find a winner against a Eltham side that seem to be getting use to the SCEF league.

Both sides asked questions of each other's defensive units within the first period, but both keepers seemed solid in their goalkeeping responsibilities, even though the host keeper needed the first fifteen minutes to vent his rather soft, dulcet verbal tones to all of Chislehurst before settling down....

But in truth it was a game in which defences were largely on top, with Forest Hills rear guard having an outstanding game in their defensive third.

The fist period produced only a handful of goal scoring opportunities for both sides.

H-T 0-0

The second period started in the same vain, still tight, with a strong completive spirit from both sides and both creating some good chances to score, but to no avail. As the game progressed the visitors were starting to take more control, with
a combination of ball retention and fitness levels that favoured Forest Hill, the visitors were looking the more threatening, and twice went close, first from an excellent well worked move that produced a fine cross from wide, that found the forward unmarked in front of goal,unfortunately he couldn't execute. Secondly a long-range free kick drive onto the bar and again when the ball dropped to another FHP player he struck his effort wide from just inside the area.

There was still a few more chances of note that the visitors could have done better with, but again couldn't find the back of the hosts net.

Forest Hill finished the stronger side and should have capitalised within the latter period to win the game, but the hosts gave a good account of themselves by holding out for a 0-0 draw in the end.

Both teams played in good spirit & were a credit to the league...

Eltham Palace 0-0 Forest Hill Park

Next match sees the clash at the Arena, as we host table toppers Rusthall....

Southern Counties East Football League

Division 1

Forest Hill Park vs Rusthall

Saturday 5th November 2016

3 pm Kick Off

Ladywell Arena
Silvermere Road
London
SE6 4QX