We welcomed Lingfield to the Community Stadium for what was actually the Lingfield home fixture.

The match started slowly, with both sides battling for possession in the middle of the park but neither side really getting a grip of the game, or having many notable chances.

After about 20 minutes, The Crows began to take command, with Hyland and Forster linking up well in the centre of midfield, which saw a shot from Forster blocked on the edge of the box. Minutes later, and Forster tried one of his trademark mazy runs through the defence, but was cynically brought down just out side the edge of the box. Rory Salter’s freekick seemingly attempted to dummy the wall, as he sent a low effort towards goal, only for the keeper to save.

And then the deadlock was broken in the 26th minute, Forster popped up on the left and switched the ball over to the right, finding Leo Vowles in space, and he drove forward towards goal at a slight angle,before smashing the ball home, beating the Lingfield keeper at his near post.

The match referee gave a free kick only a couple of minutes later, which the Lingfield captain expertly dispatched to the top bins, to the right of Matt Larkin in the Crows goal.

The Crows pushed to regain the advantage, and some stunning, intricate play down the Crows right involving Jack Mayhew, Leo Vowles and Ollie Hyland unlocked the Lingfield defence, leaving Lucas Murrain - who had to be alert - a simple tap in to regain the advantage.

The Crows went in at half time with the goal advantage, but I will note that Lingfield should have been down to 10, with an off the ball shove on Harrison Mayhew, which is violent conduct, only getting the Lingfield number 3 a yellow.

The second half began with Lingfield evening up, a soft penalty given by the referee, made it all to play for. 4 minutes later the unlucky Matt Larkin was unfortunately beaten once more, following a speculative long range effort from a Lingfield player, nothing he could do about that one.

The Crows pushed and pushed as the half wore on but unfortunately came as close as the crossbar, as Tom Pearsons effort couldn’t quite find its way over the line.

Muggsy took a gamble late on with Will Puffette - a centre back - coming on to partner Murrain up top, but there just wasn’t enough time for him to make an impact this time.

MOTM: Leo Vowles
Final score: 2-3