So the Threes have struggled with availability this season. Each week a meager group of the bare 11 players have been cobbled together. Most of us hadn't even met each other before, let alone played hockey together.

But those players are now beginning to gel. The improvements are evident in the recent results. OK a six nil drubbing at Wapping last week... what else do you expect away at Wapping!

So in short. We won 2 - 1. Mopsey scored the first from a PC. Then WF equalised on the half time whistle. Then Logan "Dutchy" Holland slipped the winner in at the start of the second half. Backs to the wall from then on and held on to take the win.

The longer version. Forest 2s came into the game on a good run of performances. They were near the top. Brentwood 3s were weighted down at the bottom of the league with only 1 point to show for their efforts.

It was Forest who took control of the match as Brentwood found their feet. Mopsey and Bowlsey working hard in midfield. Manny Mohan and Logan "Dutchy" Holland running the lines and providing width.

But for all of the Forest possession they could not produce any worthwhile goalbound efforts.

On the other hand Brentwood looked dangerous on the break. Big Jem Clem was winning his physical battle with the Forest centre Back. His holding of the ball and lay offs produced some good chances.

The first goal came from a penalty corner. Paul Holland pushed out to Mopsey who struck a trademark hit low and hard into the goal under the diving keeper.

1 - 0

It was almost half time but just enough time for Forest to equalise. A penalty corner of their own. Well struck just between Andy Connie Connor and Captain Marvel Parsons on the post.

Half time - the team talk covered how well the team had stepped up to the challenge and probably surprised their Forest opponents.

Minutes after the restart, Big Hitter Spally smashed a 14.63 metre hit up to the forward line. A kind deflection fell into Dutchy's path. He didn't need a second invitation. Head down. Run run run. Dribble dribble dribble. Too fast for the defender chasing back. Out comes the keeper closing the angle but then, push, slip, call you what you like, Logan guided the ball under the keeper and into the empty goal. 2 - 1 up.

Could we hold on? Well, hold on for 33 minutes?

Yes we could.

Forest were not giving up. They piled the pressure on. The regular rotation of their two (yes 2) substitutes kept the momentum high. Andy Connie Conner pulled off some great saves and blocks.

Then Paul Holland twisted his ankle making a tackle. Badly. He was helped off to the sideline. That meant the Brentwood Boys were down to 10. No substitutes for us.

The last 6 minutes was a long six minutes. Forest threw everything forward. Nicky "two weeks off for half term" Edwards was his usual dogged self. Putting in the tackles and putting his body on the line.

And so it ended 2 - 1 to Brentwood. Their first win of the season. In fact their first win for a very long time. Stretching back into some time before last Christmas 2017!

Roll on next week. Away to East London 4s.