Forest Green mounts comeback to beat Halifax 2-1

A Thrilling Encounter at Shay Stadium

The match between Forest Green Rovers and Halifax Town was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides showcasing their strengths and weaknesses throughout the 90 minutes. The game started with Forest Green dominating the first half, but it was a debutant who stole the show in the second half.

First Half Dominance

Forest Green Rovers took an early lead through Will Hugill, who found the back of the net in the first half. The home side controlled the majority of possession, with Tom Knowles creating several chances through his free kicks. One of these efforts came from just outside the box, while another was a long-range shot from about 45 yards out. Both were saved by Sam Johnson, the Halifax goalkeeper.

The early stages of the game saw a number of close calls for both teams. Debutant Ricardo Rees hit the post with a looping header, and efforts from Temi Babalola and Laurent Mendy were blocked by brave defending. Despite this, Forest Green struggled to maintain control in the attacking third, with Will Harris often isolated up top.

Second Half Turnaround

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Halifax began to assert themselves. The Shaymen were well-organised and showed great commitment in defense. However, they sometimes gave away possession too easily, which allowed Forest Green to create opportunities.

In the third minute of added time, Jay Turner-Cooke's cross was turned in at close range by Hugill for his second goal in three games. This was the first effort from Halifax in the contest, but it proved to be the difference.

As the game progressed, Forest Green found it difficult to create clear chances. A shot across goal by Babalola was one of the few opportunities they had before halftime. In the second half, the hosts finally broke the deadlock when Rees converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Key Moments and Player Performances

Rees continued to trouble the Halifax defense, scoring his second goal of the match when he turned in a low cross from the left of the box. This was a significant moment for the team, as it boosted their confidence and led to more positive play.

Halifax thought they had equalised when the ball was hammered in from close range at a corner, but the goal was disallowed. Rees was denied a hat-trick by the post in a thrilling finish, with substitute Florent Hoti heading an added time corner onto the roof of the net. Will Smith's header was comfortably saved, and Turner-Cooke's goalbound shot was blocked.

Match Statistics

• Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Knowles, Kengni (Robson 88), Inniss (Moore 76), Mendy, McAllister, Bunker (Buyabu 64), Whitwell, Babalola, Kanu, Rees (Mitchell 88). Subs not used: Pagel, Haughton, Clarke.
• Scorer: Rees (67, 79)
• Shots on target: 7
• Shots off target: 11

• Corners: 6

• Halifax: Johnson, Warburton, Hobson, Smith, Adetoro (Bray 88), Cappello (Kawa 75), Hugill (Hoti 88), C Johnson, Turner-Cooke, Hmami (Latty-Fairweather 38), Harris. Subs not used: Ford, Mills, Tarima.

• Scorer: Hugill (45)
• Shots on target: 3
• Shots off target: 3
• Corners: 5

Conclusion

The referee for the match was Ross Martin. While the result may have been harsh on Halifax, their effort and determination were evident throughout the game. Will Hugill was named the man of the match for his work rate and effort, which epitomised the performance of the entire team.