The Bolt New Lawn played host to a compelling contest as Forest Green Rovers clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory against FC Halifax Town. In a match characterised by shifts in momentum and periods of intense pressure, it was the home side who ultimately emerged triumphant, with Ricardo Rees netting a decisive brace.
The opening period was a cautious affair, with neither team managing to find the breakthrough. FC Halifax Town came closest to opening the scoring in the 47th minute when Will Hugill found the net, assisted by Jay Turner-Cooke. This goal, arriving just before the interval, gave the visitors a narrow advantage at half-time.
Upon the resumption of play, Forest Green Rovers displayed a renewed sense of purpose. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute as Ricardo Rees scored the equaliser, igniting the home support. The momentum had clearly swung in favour of Rovers, who began to push for a winning goal.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Ricardo Rees, who proved to be the afternoon’s standout performer, scored his second goal of the match, this time set up by Tom Knowles, to put Forest Green Rovers in front. Despite late tactical adjustments, including a substitution for Halifax in the 75th minute and a double change for Rovers in the 87th minute, the scoreline remained fixed.
This win solidifies Forest Green Rovers’ strong standing in the English National League, elevating them to third place with 53 points from 26 fixtures. FC Halifax Town, conversely, remain in eighth position, with their points total unchanged at 38 after 26 games. The result extends Forest Green Rovers’ unbeaten sequence to two matches, while FC Halifax Town now find themselves on a one-match losing streak.
