Well the time has come again for another fantastic report on the soon to be well known Newbury Forest. With news of a possible take over on the horizon and the influx of a few new players the new year seem to have started off well.

What a better way to kick of the new year, than with a derby match against Interlink. We knew it was gonna be physical game, but if we could get it down on the ground and play our game we would be a match for them. There was also added pressure that it was really a six pointer, we couldn't afford to lose and a draw is okay but a win is what everyone was looking for.

It seemed at one stage we weren't even gonna be able to put out a full strength team with injures, absentees and niggles, but what sunday did show is that there are far more players who are part of Newbury Forest rather than just playing for Newbury Forest.

Now on to the game, thinking of the previous result in the league where we beat them 2 - 0, we knew we had the beating of this side; we just had to come out firing on all cylinders, however we just about managed to come out at all. Maybe it was because of the first match back in the new year , maybe it was people in different positions, either way we were very shaky. Once Interlink caught win of this they endeavoured to pump high balls in to the box and the charge forward like the calvary. Chris picked up an early booking which made it even harder for the guys at the back.

After 15 minutes we were 2 goals down and weren't even in the game and to be honest looked like they could just bully us out of the game. However, then we upped a gear like the quality side we are. A few choice words from everyone got us going again, the back 4 started knocking the ball around, full backs pushing on to give us width. Midfield start getting onto the ball and feeding through and the forwards starting to make the opposition work.

At half time the score was the same but we knew we were playing better than them, and the next goal would be the most important of the match. Low and behold i would have to be the one in the centre of a so called controversy. I was brought down in the box no dive, just got the ball before the defender. Here was our chance, with the ice cold italian in the form of his life he slotted it a beautifully, and we were back in the game. but it didn't stop there, with our new flying left back rampaging down the left and giving us a lot of options it was only time before he opened up and let one fly, but it wasn't a hit a hope, oh no a fantastic controlled drive into the bottom corner sent us into delirium. It was all level. All they wanted to do now was kick us and try and waste time.

For all we tried we just couldn't get that winning goal. I had one the keeper pushed on to the bar, he also just managed to hold on to one from Andrew again. At the end of the day we were happy with the point after being 2 down but knew it we had started better it could have been so different, but what a come back and what a performance to still play our stuff even when playing against wimbledon fc, well done guys.

And now for the ratings.

Graham "Oh my God i can hear him from the half way line" GK 8/10
Another fantastic display between the sticks, was always on hand to bail us out of sticky situations was unlucky for their goals, but made a marvellous save with his legs late on in the second half. Very glad to have you sir.

Chris "Dirtiest Player in the Game" Wallbank RB 7/10
After getting a yellow and looking like he was gonna get a bit over run, changed it around to have one of the best games i've seen him have. Dealt with their big lump all day long and was bombing down the right flank like a young cafu. Oh the possibilities are endless!!

Gary "Mr Accountant" Murphy CB 8.5/10
I know said i wouldn't give half marks but i had to separate. I know he won't like me saying this but he's a damn good defender. I wouldn't wanna play against him and I know the opposition doesn't like playing against him, he is Mr Dependable.

Marc "I score goals in the blind and deaf league" Wakley CB 8/10
Absolutely phenomenal, seem to win all most everything in the air and with his partner in crime and fellow member of team smash gave a real good base to play from. Has really impressed me.

(MPoY) Andrew "Ashley Cole Wannabe" Lane LB 9/10 MOM
Well you can't be Carlos cos we already have one of those, so its the next best thing. I can only think of a handful of players that have had better debuts than that son. Gave us loads of option done the flank but didn't shirk your defensive duties, you were very close to porn in a jar status but then you didn't pass to me so it was taken away. Apart from that mate MOM performance.

John "The Kaiser" Hassan DM 7/10
The problem with john is he doesn't do the most spectacular thing, but he does do the basics very well, and yes John i did see your flicked pass round the corner to Marc. Always kept the ball moving and flowing through the midfield. Loving you work Hassan

John "Poland U21 international" Galligan AM 7/10
Always seems to find time and space, great on the ball and seems to be getting back to full fitness. Was very unlucky to have his shot just go past the post.

Dave "Play me just behind the front two and i'll be even more dangerous John" Zarcaro AM 8/10
He finally got his wish, and boy did he make sure we won't forget it. Very complete performance. Brought the ball forward well, but also but his foot in for some big time challenges, you been giving him pointers Murph. Well played Z

Sean "I can't believe your older than Mike" Dunglinson WFL 8/10
First game i've seen you play and I was impressed, loads of work rate. Worked the channels well and switched sides and positions well with the rest of us up top. Work rate alone deserved a goal.

Alfie "Captain" Egembah CF 9/10
I really did think that, this was one of my better games, i thought i linked well with the other two and we all naturally move around and try and create space. could of had two goals if it wasn't for sean yeah that's right i'm still blaming you and a great save by their keeper. thought link up play was good too. just hope I can stay free of injury and get back to full fitness.

Lee "Henry" Nicholls WFR 7/10
Was affective when he was able to get the ball down and drive at defenders, we can all see what an asset he can be. Just need to get him scoring again and then I think the goals will start flowing like they did. Good performance on a whole.

Special word of thanks goes to Frankie and Dave P, can't imagine how frustrating it was not coming on but you both seemed to take it with good grace, team players baby that's what we want.

All that's left to say is well done guys!