Forest Green Rovers claimed a 2-0 victory over Yeovil Town at The Bolt New Lawn in a match that, while lacking early fireworks, delivered late drama. The score remained deadlocked for much of the game as both teams struggled to penetrate their opponent’s defensive lines. Referee Andrew Humphries was a prominent figure, issuing multiple yellow cards in response to the increasingly physical contest.
The first half was punctuated by cautions, with Yeovil’s Jake Wannell and Charlie Cooper both receiving yellow cards for fouls. At the interval, Yeovil made a change, bringing on James Daly in place of Tahvon Campbell in an attempt to invigorate their attack.
Forest Green responded with a triple substitution in the 55th minute, introducing Brett McGavin, Christian Doidge, and Jili Buyabu, demonstrating their desire to break the stalemate. Yeovil then substituted Brett McGavin for Luke McCormick in the 54th minute. The substitutions appeared to energise the home side, who began to apply greater pressure.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 75th minute when substitute Jili Buyabu scored, assisted by fellow substitute Tom Knowles, who had entered the match just four minutes prior. Buyabu’s celebration was short-lived, however, as he was shown a yellow card shortly after scoring. Yeovil’s difficulties were compounded in the 86th minute when Jake Wannell, already cautioned, was sent off for a further foul, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Forest Green exploited their numerical advantage in added time, with Kairo Mitchell scoring in the 92nd minute to secure the win. Finn Cousin-Dawson received a late yellow card in the 95th minute, further adding to Yeovil’s disappointment.
Forest Green will aim to build on this victory as they look to improve their position in the National League table. Yeovil, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address their disciplinary concerns as they seek to climb the standings.