Forest Green come out on top in five-goal thriller against Scunthorpe United

Credit: Southend United FC

Rampant Rovers overcame a spirited second-half display from Scunthorpe to relight their promotion hopes in a thrilling game in Gloucestershire.

A poor run of recent results for Forest Green Rovers had seen the dismissal of manager Mark Cooper, with innovative chairman Dale Vince hinting that he would even consider appointing the first female manager to work in English football’s top four divisions.

Cooper was sacked after Forest Green’s fourth successive defeat dropped them to sixth in League Two and the under-18s manager, Jimmy Ball, was put in interim charge until the end of the season.

Former Newport star Aaron Collins was a lively presence up front as the home side dominated the early stages. Kane Wilson, who has impressed all season, also enjoyed plenty of possession as the hosts made a lively start to the game.

Rovers’ dominance reaped its reward in the 21st minute as Jordan Moore-Taylor headed home from close range. The impressive Collins continued to threaten the visitors’ defence, causing consternation with a mazy run into the box in the 25th minute. Claims for a spot-kick were waved away though as the Welshman tumbled.

Jimmy Ball had clearly put his lads to work on the training ground as his side enjoyed a bewildering array of corner kicks.

Scunthorpe finally replied with their first serious effort as Kevin Van Veen thumped a free-kick over Luke McGee’s goal.

Collins had a shot narrowly wide as the interval beckoned but the visitors grabbed an unexpected equaliser in the 44th minute when defender Harrison McGahey fired them level.

In the 51st minute, the visitors were ahead after Abo Eisa was able to find the back of the net to give Scunthorpe a 2-1 lead early on in the second-half.

Scunthorpe offered much more resilience in the second period, including a rash looking challenge from Jem Karacan which brought a yellow card with 20 minutes left on the clock.

A thumping header from Ebou Adams restored parity for the home side in the 72nd minute as this eventful clash continued to entertain. Referee Graham Salisbury had to leave the pitch as he sustained an injury.

An untidy tangle of legs sent Ebou Adams to the penalty box floor five minutes later but Nicky Cadden’s spot-kick was well saved by Scunthorpe’s goalkeeper Rory Watson.

A similarly untidy melee of limbs allowed Rovers skipper Chris Stokes enough space to slot home a third goal moments later.

Iron boss Neil Cox introduced three late substitutes as the clock ticked away with United switching to a 3-4-3 formation in search of an equaliser.

The towering Van Veen left Bailey Cargill on the deck courtesy of a high boot as the tension showed little sign of diminishing as the fourth official signalled six minutes of added time.

Collins almost left a glorious imprint on his impressive outing but Watson proved up to the challenge, forcing away his firm drive after the talented striker had found space.

Rovers held on for a vital victory. The visitors had made a fight of it but made the long trip home pointless after a very eventful game.

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