A tense and closely fought encounter at The Bolt New Lawn saw Forest Green Rovers secure a vital 1-0 victory over a struggling Hartlepool United, courtesy of Charlie McCann’s second-half strike. The match was far from a classic, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in a cagey affair.
The first half offered little in the way of goalmouth action. Hartlepool’s growing frustration was evident in the two yellow cards awarded against them – Tom Parkes for a foul in the 33rd minute and, after the break, Darren Robinson in the 57th – as they sought to disrupt Forest Green’s attempts to build momentum.
The second half witnessed a series of substitutions as both managers looked to revitalise their attacking options. Forest Green’s triple change on 66 minutes, introducing Emmanuel Osadebe, Ryan Inniss and Marcel Lavinier, proved to be the turning point. Just five minutes later, Osadebe, having made an almost immediate impact, provided the assist for McCann’s decisive goal. The midfielder found space on the edge of the penalty area and calmly slotted the ball home, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the home support.
Hartlepool responded with further substitutions of their own, but their attempts to salvage a point were thwarted by a resolute Forest Green defence. The visitors were restricted to half-chances as the home side held firm to secure a hard-fought three points.
The victory sees Forest Green Rovers move onto 24 points, consolidating their position near the top of the National League table. Hartlepool, meanwhile, remain in 18th place on 13 points, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs this season, despite their lack of league meetings over the previous three campaigns.
