Forest Green Rovers staged an impressive comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Halifax Town in their opening match of the 2026/27 season at The New Lawn.
The hosts fell behind early on when Will Flint capitalised on a scrappy chance inside the six-yard box to give Halifax an early lead on nine minutes. Forest Green, who have been busy in the transfer market with nine summer signings, struggled to find their rhythm initially, and Emeka Obi endured a difficult professional debut before being forced off due to injury just before half-time.
However, the match swung decisively in Forest Green’s favour shortly after the interval. Debutant and man of the match Filozofe Mabete headed in an equaliser moments after the break, brilliantly directing the ball across goal and beating the keeper.
READ MORE: Beloved Former Piano Teacher Among This Week’s Gloucestershire Funeral Notices
Ten minutes later, Sean Etaluku put the home side ahead with a stunning strike. The winger dribbled in from the right, cut inside onto his left foot, and unleashed a powerful shot into the top left corner.
New club captain Kyle McAllister sealed the victory by firing a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner. Although Halifax’s goalkeeper True Grant managed to get a touch, it was not enough to stop the goal.
In stoppage time, Zak Gilsenan scored a world-class free-kick for Halifax, providing a late consolation goal, but the referee soon blew the final whistle, confirming Forest Green’s thrilling 3-2 win.
Forest Green Rovers line-up: McNicholas; Agina, Obi (Campbell 37), Mabete, Etaluku; Ewing (Kelly 76), Clarke; McAllister, Patrick (Osude 56), Berry (Kengni 56); Mellor (Rees 56). Subs not used: Ross, Haughton.
Halifax Town line-up: Grant; Bardell, Flint, Hobson (Crowe 77, Warburton 83), Conte; C. Johnson (Trusty 83), Hugill; Douglas, Gilsenan, Tolitt (Allen 64); Carty (Morgan-Smith 64). Subs not used: S. Johnson, Kawa.
Referee: Lewis Sandoe.
Attendance: 1,737 (128 away supporters).