Morecambe’s Mazuma Mobile Stadium played host to a match of contrasting halves, as Forest Green Rovers recovered from an early setback to claim a 3-1 victory. The win, overseen by referee Zac Kennard-Kettle, propelled Forest Green to the summit of the English National League, extending their impressive unbeaten run.
Morecambe began the match brightly, converting early pressure into a goal. Gwion Edwards put the home side ahead in the 23rd minute, with Admiral Muskwe providing the assist. However, their advantage proved short-lived. Just a minute later, Miguel Azeez received a yellow card for a foul, a possible indication of the increasing pressure from Forest Green.
Forest Green responded strongly, levelling the score in the 34th minute through Kyle McAllister. The momentum shifted perceptibly, with Forest Green beginning to dominate proceedings. Tom Knowles then put the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute, assisted by Kairo Mitchell, completing the turnaround before the interval.
Any aspirations of a Morecambe comeback were swiftly extinguished after the restart. Tom Knowles extended Forest Green’s lead just a minute into the second half, securing his second goal of the match and placing his team in a commanding position.
Morecambe manager Ashvir Johal attempted to revitalise his side with a double substitution in the 67th minute, introducing Paul Lewis and Terrell Agyemang in place of Mo Sangare and Alie Sesay respectively. Forest Green responded in the 70th minute with substitutions of their own, bringing on James Balagizi for Kairo Mitchell and Jayden Clarke for Nick Haughton.
The substitutions had little impact on the game’s flow, with Forest Green maintaining their control. Morecambe continued to search for a way back into the match, making further changes in the 78th minute, with Ben Williams replacing Jake Cain and Harrison Panayiotou coming on for Admiral Muskwe. Forest Green’s Jayden Clarke received a yellow card in the 79th minute.
In the 82nd minute, Morecambe made their final substitution, bringing on Joe Nuttall for goalscorer Gwion Edwards. Forest Green then introduced Yahya Bamba for Kyle McAllister in the 88th minute. As time dwindled away, Forest Green made a final substitution, with Harvey Bunker replacing Harry Whitwell in added time.
The final whistle confirmed Forest Green’s dominant second-half display. The result sees them sitting atop the league standings with 17 points, while Morecambe find themselves near the bottom, struggling for consistency. Forest Green demonstrated their title credentials, while Morecambe will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to climb the table.