A GAME OF TWO HALVES LEAD TO ROVERS DEFEAT

HARBOROUGH TOWN  2 - 1  FOREST GREEN ROVERS

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Forest Green slipped to a surprise defeat to United Counties League opponents, an own goal by trialist Ryan James sealing their fate.

Dave Hockaday's men led through David Accam's goal at half-time, but a poor display in the second period saw Ben Barton deservedly level and turn the game in the underdogs' favour.

A well-drilled Harborough side proved hard to break down during the opening half-hour, although James Baldwin was unfortunate to see an early snap-shot clip the outside of the post.

The hosts had a sight of goal on 20 minutes, Barton latching onto a ball over the top and prodding over the onrushing James Bittner.

Five minutes later Forest Green tested Bittner’s opposite number Jamie Lambert for the first time, though Ross Dyer’s scuffed effort was comfortably held.

Dyer then turned provider for a wayward Accam shot before Isaac Shaze embarked on a fine solo run, not matched by a dinked finish over the crossbar.

It was 1-0 in the 31st minute when Rovers were gifted possession in the final third and Shaze rolled the ball across for fellow Ghanaian Accam, who finished tidily in the bottom corner.

The lead could have been doubled moments before the break, defender Martin Callan clearing off the line after Shaze had rounded Lambert.

Rovers lost all cohesion in the second period, and Harborough levelled in the 56th minute. Substitute keeper Gavin Carlin could only parry Will Arnold’s shot, Craig Cassidy’s follow-up hit the crossbar and Barton stabbed home at the third time of asking.

The winner on 85 minutes stemmed from a long throw by Owen Phillips which glanced off the head of the unfortunate James and looped beyond third-choice stopper James Nortei.

Harborough Town: J. Lambert; B. Steed, M. Callan, M. Gamble, G. Robinson; S. Beckett, T. Hillier, W. Arnold, A. McMillan; T. Bott, B. Barton; Subs: L. Maher, A. Watson, R. Goodband, J. Vye, D. Bates, M. Bass, D. Rogers, O. Phillips, C. Cassidy.

Forest Green: J. Bittner; J. Hodgkiss, L. Jones, R. James, B. Pugh; J. Else, J. Baldwin, L. Fowler, D. Accam; I. Shaze, R. Dyer; Subs: G. Carlin, O. Cleaver, C. Henry, C. Hart, J. Winter, I. Herring, C. Armstrong, S. Bartlett, S. Davies, M. Etheridge, J. Nortei.

Referee: A. Barney