In the last few games, United have once again reinvented themselves; the whistle goes for kickoff, and it’s absolute high intensity, fast paced football - there’s no time for opposition to organise or analyse, just try and weather it.

Saturday’s opposition, Forest Row, had won the home fixture back in August, but were not prepared for this onslaught on their first ever visit to the Oval. Sam Scott and Koby Farrell were suspended for United, with Ollie Hull dropping back and Jake Prodger coming in. It made little difference as United shot out of the starting blocks, with little more than 5 minutes on the clock, it was 1-o as Charlie Ball setup T’yano Wilson, who slotted home for the ideal start. Jordan Ray turned attacker moments later, getting on the end of Ovenden’s corner, but headed just over. He had another go on twenty minutes, this time the keeper saved it. Ray resumed defensive duties, and Wilson turned provider to feed Mufaro Huchu, who drove home for 2-0. This was starting to look like fun, and two minutes later, Huchu laid off to Charlie Ball on the edge of the box, who rifled it into the top right corner. Ball forced another save just before halftime, before Row had a chance of their own, well saved by Alex Hobden.

the only thing that United had not given their fans this year was a proper old fashioned “game of two halves” - but Santa was ready to provide, and this last game before Christmas was just that. United were dreaming of Turkey and trimmings when five minutes in, Hobden was deceived and the ball fell under the bar. Suddenly United were playing Real Madrid as wave after wave hit the defences. To be fair, they held firm, and despite some heavy pressure, it was well past the hour mark when Row got a second, again deceiving Hobden to get under the bar.

It was almost shock therapy, and United responded, almost not believing that they were in danger. Charlie Ball nearly made it four, his effort going just over, but James Hull covered for his strike partner, but again, his shot went just wide. United were again in the ascendancy, and on full time, Ball headed across goal to Hull, who headed home to put it beyond doubt. 4-2, and five straight wins in the league, it’s a good way to finish the run up to Christmas. The 200 plus crowd were exuberant in clappping off a team who have shown some real depth of character in the last few games, and although Anthony Storey won’t be happy about the second half, it’ll be a lot happier Christmas down Channel View Road! United travel to Seaford on Saturday 27th for a 2pm kickoff at the Crouch.