A pulsating 2-2 draw unfolded at The Bolt New Lawn between Forest Green Rovers and Southend United, a result mirroring their earlier encounter this season. The match was a captivating spectacle of end-to-end action from the outset, with both teams displaying attacking ambition.
Forest Green Rovers broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, Ryan Inniss finding the net from an Adam May assist. Southend United’s response was immediate, restoring parity just five minutes later through Macauley Bonne, assisted by Leon Chambers-Parillon. The frenetic pace continued, and Forest Green edged back in front in the 30th minute, Jordon Garrick converting from a Harry Cardwell assist. The half-time whistle blew with Forest Green leading 2-1 after a breathless opening period.
The second half witnessed both teams making tactical adjustments in a bid to control the midfield battle. Southend United pressed for an equaliser, while Forest Green Rovers sought to extend their advantage. The intensity of the contest was reflected in yellow cards shown to players from both sides. As the match progressed, substitutions were made to revitalise tiring legs. Southend’s relentless pressure finally told in the 75th minute when substitute Charley Kendall set up Gus Scott-Morriss to level the score at 2-2. Despite a flurry of late changes and a final push from both teams in search of a winner, the match ended in a hard-fought draw.
The result leaves Forest Green Rovers in third place in the English National League, while Southend United remain ninth.