BROADWELL'S soccer future rests firmly at the feet of young players, believes club secretary Les Lewis.

Speaking after a highly satisfactory opening league game against Shortwood, Lewis congratulated manager Mark Allen on introducing four youngsters new to Senior League football.

"It's a big step from the North Gloucester. Senior League football is very competitive but they all did very well. There's no doubt the way forward is with young players and we are building now for three or four years' time.

"We have strength is depth and we are lucky to have some loyal senior players who will strengthen the reserves but there is no doubt the way ahead is to play younger men," he said.

Allen gave NSL debuts to four Forest youngsters including 16 year-old goalkeeper Josh Loade. Stepping up from local North Gloucester League teams were Adam Fowler, Asa Wassell and Adam Smith.

Lewis gave them all top marks.

"They did very well against a very competitive Shortwood team who are sure to finish near the top. It was a good game of football and some of our passing in the second-half was outstanding," he said.

With the likely emphasise on youth Lewis would be happy enough to see Broadwell cement a mid-table position – anything higher would be a real bonus, he says.

Shortwood had the better of the early play and deserved to take the lead. The half-time chat and some reorganisation produced a much better performance from the Foresters and the equaliser was well deserved. It followed an excellent cross by Guy Jones which was smartly headed home by Craig Lewis.

Among those to impress in a solid team display were attackers Steve Belfitt and Danny Latham. Defender Scott Albon also enjoyed a very sound game.