Little Common’s super six fell Forest and delight Eldridge

After a demanding run of away fixtures, the Commoners made a welcome return to the Rec for only their second Saturday home fixture of the season and marked the occasion with an impressive attacking display.

It was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the early exchanges when Lewis Unwin's superb free-kick crashed against the crossbar and bounced to safety.

However, Common did not have to wait long to make the breakthrough. In the 19th minute, Sam Ellis threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Ollie MacDonald, who showed great composure to lift the ball over the advancing keeper.

The visitors thought they had drawn level minutes later, but their celebrations were cut short by the an offside flag.

Common doubled their advantage ten minutes before the interval when another dangerous delivery from Unwin caused problems for the Forest Row defence. His free-kick was met by Harvey Mapstone, who made no mistake from close range to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

The visitors gave themselves a lifeline six minutes into the second half when a well-struck effort was drilled into the bottom corner to halve the deficit.

For a brief spell, the contest looked finely balanced, but Common regained control and produced a devastating attacking display to put the result beyond doubt.

Ellis was next to threaten, bringing a smart save from the goalkeeper, before the Common forward capitalised on a defensive mistake. Showing great anticipation, Ellis beat the goalkeeper to the loose ball before calmly rolling his effort into the unguarded net.

Three became four following some excellent attacking play down the right flank. Sam Atkin saw his initial effort saved by the Forest Row goalkeeper, but Sonny Tyrell was perfectly placed to turn home the rebound and extend Common's advantage.

Ollie Hull added a fifth when he cut inside the area and unleashed an effort which took a deflection before nestling in the back of the net, leaving the visiting goalkeeper helpless.

The scoring was completed in the 80th minute when MacDonald tried his luck from distance. The goalkeeper could only parry his effort, and Fin Jack was quickest to react, tapping home from close range to make it six.

Jack almost added a seventh but his goalbound effort was kept out by the Forest Row goalkeeper.

Little Common manager Russell Eldridge was delighted with his side’s performance and the return to winning ways.

“It was a much-needed three points for us, and I was really pleased with the way the lads went about their business. We’ve had a difficult run of fixtures, particularly away from home, so it was important that we got back to winning ways,” he said.

“I thought we played some really good football, created plenty of chances and, most importantly, were clinical in front of goal. It was disappointing to concede early in the second half, but I was pleased with the response. We didn't let our heads drop, and once we got the third goal, we really took control of the game.

“It was particularly pleasing to have six different goalscorers, and there were some excellent individual performances, but ultimately it was a good team display.

“We know one result doesn't change everything, and we certainly won't be getting carried away. Hopefully, this will give the lads a bit of confidence, and the challenge now is to build on it. We've got another home game against Roffey this weekend, and we need to make sure we approach that with the same attitude and determination.”