Ten man Waltham Forest ran out 3-2 winners at Soham Town Rangers but had held a three goal advantage in the game.

The visitors had the lead 15 minutes in when Tashan Nicholas was blocked in the box, giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty.

Despite the home keeper getting his hands to the ball, Josh Bonnett’s spot kick was too powerful and gave Forest the lead.

The visitors extended their advantage shortly after – Bonnett’s corner eventually falling to captain Gaz Dauti, who sent in a low shot which beat the keeper from 25 yards.

The second half saw Forest bag a third goal as they looked to close out the game.

Liberian international Manu Dagher’s deep cross could only be tipped away by the home keeper, falling into the path of Bonnett who sent a fierce shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Soham hit back with a quarter of an hour to play when a long ball found Andy Furnell who struck with his first touch to find the corner of the net.

There was drama to follow though, as Bonnett received his marching orders for kicking out at Martin Bromwich, who the two-goal Forest hero felt had stamped on him.

With Forest down to ten men, Soham pushed forward but they couldn’t get their second until well into injury time – David Cobb launching an unstoppable long range effort – but it wasn’t enough as Forest held on for the victory.