Waltham Forest men’s first team struggled to deal with a number of absentees as they lost to Norwich 2-0.

Missing four regular first team players Forest looked uncomfortable early on with Norwich keeping the ball for long periods.

The visitor’s defence was well-organised though and it was Forest, playing on the counter attack, who created the first opportunity.

Chris Drewe found Richard Lowe and Lowe was upended by the Norwich defender who was subsequently sin-binned before half time.

Soon after the break though Norwich took the lead after a move down the right finished with a low shot into the net before the hosts doubled their advantage after a quick breakaway.

Forest came back strongly and Drewe was brought down after a mazy dribble causing another Norwich defender to be sent to the sin bin.

Forest were unable to make their man-advantage count however and ran out 2-0 losers.

Waltham Forest ladies’ first eleven shared the spoils as they played out a goalless draw with Bishop Stortford.

The game started with a flurry of chances forcing Forest keeper Morag Campbell into an excellent save low to her right before then Forest had chances of their own with Lucy Butcher firing just wide from a short corner.

The final opportunity of the half saw Charlotte Pether denied by the keeper after Lydia Booth and Anna Ring had interchanged well out wide.

The match tightened up in the second half with Ring again coming close but for another smart save by the Stortford keeper.

Liz Evans produced a storming display in the middle but in the end neither side could get the decisive goal and both teams had to settle for the draw.

Waltham Forest will be hoping to be back amongst the goals in their next match away to Wapping.