Forest Green Rovers secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Hartlepool United at The Bolt New Lawn in a tightly fought National League match. The win, overseen by referee Michael Barlow, extends Forest Green’s unbeaten run and reinforces their position at the top of the league table.
The first half was a cautious affair, characterised by several cautions from the referee. Hartlepool’s Matty Daly was the first to enter the referee’s notebook, receiving a yellow card in the 7th minute for a foul. Tom Knowles of Forest Green followed in the 20th minute, also receiving a yellow card. Nathan Sheron of Hartlepool was then cautioned in the 27th minute. The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Kairo Mitchell scored for Forest Green, putting the home side ahead.
The second half saw tactical adjustments from both sides in an attempt to change the flow of the game. Forest Green made their first substitution in the 53rd minute, replacing Tom Knowles with Ryan Inniss in a defensive move. Harry Whitwell of Forest Green then received a yellow card in the 56th minute. Hartlepool responded with a substitution of their own in the 66th minute, bringing on Danny Johnson for Jay Benn in an attempt to bolster their attack.
Forest Green then made a further change in the 61st minute, with Yahya Bamba replacing Nick Haughton. Hartlepool then made a double substitution in the 80th minute, with Sam Folarin replacing Matty Daly and Brad Walker replacing Jamie Miley. Forest Green responded almost immediately with a double substitution of their own in the 81st minute, introducing Isaac Moore for Harry Whitwell and Adriel Walker for Kairo Mitchell.
Despite Hartlepool’s efforts to find an equaliser, Forest Green remained resolute, claiming all three points. The victory allows Forest Green to maintain their top spot in the National League, extending their lead over their rivals. Hartlepool, despite the defeat, remain in a strong position in the league standings.